A viral pro-Trump businessman who made headlines for his unconventional political demonstrations hopes to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in Congress.
According to the Washington Examiner, Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule and a political newcomer, has launched his bid for New York's 21st Congressional District as Stefanik prepares to join the Trump administration as U.N. ambassador.
Constantino's campaign pits him against Republican state Sen. Dan Stec in a contest that will be decided by local GOP chairs. The special election, which must be called within 10 days of Stefanik's resignation, will determine who represents the reliably Republican district.
Constantino built Sticker Mule from scratch in 2010, transforming it into a rapidly expanding e-commerce enterprise that now operates in 39 countries with 1,200 employees. The company specializes in printing stickers, labels, keychains, and T-shirts. His business acumen, combined with his outspoken support for Trump, has garnered attention from prominent Republican figures.
Roger Stone, a close Trump ally, has endorsed Constantino's congressional bid after meeting with him several times, including at Mar-a-Lago. Stone emphasized Constantino's potential as a "Trump firebrand" and his skills in mass marketing, which could benefit the Republican message.
Constantino's opponent, Dan Stec, brings military experience as a Navy veteran and over a decade of service in New York state politics. Stec's campaign emphasizes his name recognition and experience in the district he currently represents in the state senate.
Constantino gained national attention for his bold political statements, including a 100-foot "Vote for Trump" sign installed on his company's headquarters in Amsterdam, New York. The sign sparked a legal battle, which Constantino eventually won against the Democratic mayor.
The businessman further demonstrated his commitment to Trump by personally stuffing nearly 70,000 envelopes to encourage support for the president-elect. He also faced backlash after sending a company-wide email endorsing Trump, which generated over 30,000 social media comments and hundreds of TikTok reaction videos. Constantino said this about the criticism:
I don't care what your political views are but the hate for Trump and his supporters has gone too far. I support Trump. Many at Sticker Mule do. Many at Sticker Mule also support Biden. The political hate needs to stop.
His unconventional approach to politics extends beyond business ventures. Constantino has participated in several professional boxing matches, drawing parallels between the sport and the political arena:
Politics is a lot like business in terms of solving problems, but it's a lot like boxing in terms of fighting. You got to fight in politics, and you got to fight and win. So I know how to fight inside the ring and I know how to fight outside the ring. I know what it takes to have the courage to get in the ring and fight.
The upcoming special election carries significant implications for House Republicans, who will hold a precarious majority after Stefanik and Rep. Mike Waltz depart for the Trump administration. Every vote will be crucial for passing legislation along party lines, particularly given the existing tensions between moderate and hard-line conservatives.
The timing of the special election depends on Stefanik's official resignation. Once she vacates the seat, Governor Kathy Hochul must schedule the election within 70 to 80 days.
The outcome could influence the legislative agenda as Republicans prepare to control all three branches of government starting January 20.
Anthony Constantino, a successful e-commerce entrepreneur and outspoken Trump supporter, seeks to transition from business leadership to congressional representation in New York's 21st District. His candidacy emerges as Rep. Elise Stefanik prepares to join the Trump administration as U.N. ambassador. The special election, which will be called after Stefanik's resignation, holds particular significance as House Republicans navigate a slim majority and internal party dynamics.
