Trump Endorses, NY GOP Clashes in Safe Red District

On April 24, President Trump jumped into New York's 21st Congressional District, Republican

primary, endorsing Anthony Constantino, the CEO, of Sticker Mule to replace Elise Daphonic.

But the local party establishment is rallying behind Assemblyman Robert Smullen instead,

making this a real clash in this deep-red district.

Constantino also picked up nods from Roger Stone and Rudy Giuliani, while Smullen holds

support from most elected Republicans and party leaders.

Tensions boiled over with a defamation lawsuit from conservative party chair Jerry Kassar

against Constantino over wild claims of threats and murder.

Attempts.

Local Republicans worry a nasty primary fight could hand the seat to Democrats, especially

if Constantino pulls ahead.

Both camps released polls claiming their guy is leading, and Smullen grabbed the conservative

party's ballot line.

He hasn't ruled out a general.

Election run if he loses the primary.

Party insiders are holding out for Staphonic's endorsement, saying it could carry as much

weight as Trump's in the district.

Trump won here by 21 points last year, and Staphonic always crushed it by double digits,

with the seat-rated solid Republican.

Eyes stay glued on this feud as it heats up, potentially shaking up the safe Republican

hold before the votes drop.

That's your update from US News Today, powered by AI.

I'm Cory with the story.