November 13, 2026
A slim victory by Constantino in NY-21 would leaves him with a seat but not a mandate. The North Country is a vast area filled with families from Fort Drum, dairy farmers, healthcare professionals, tourism and local government. We need someone who can push the right buttons in Congress, rather than a businessman with a controversial reputation.
While Constantino may be seen as a dynamic figure with his role as CEO of Sticker Mule, NY-21 is not a place for someone with a controversial public image. NY-21 is a district looking for someone who can provide excellent constituent services. Freshmen members of Congress need to build relationships within the community, provide good constituent services and ensure that they deliver for their constituents. Constantino would struggle to explain what he had provided for Massena, Malone, Watertown, Plattsburgh, Lowville throughout his first term as he spent his time pandering to the far-right nationally.
A slim victory means Constantino would need to appeal to those in the middle. However, Constantino does appear to be someone who would go for a controversial style within the community, not a member who can build alliances.
The real issue would be that in the current climate in 2027, where there is a large majority for Democrats, Constantino would have little power, probably none. He would not have any committee chairs, he would not control any earmarks, no member items and would not be able to push anything through on the floor. Constantino would have very little power apart from providing constituent services. As Constantino appears to have a controversial public image, he wouldn’t be strong in this area either. Constantino would just be someone who would complain about the Democratic agenda and look to go on the rightwing media shows.
Overall, Constantino winning by a slim margin shows that he is a showman. With a majority for Democrats in Congress, NY-21 would need someone who can negotiate and reach across the aisle. Constantino’s brand and style is not the right choice.