Anthony Constantino claimed victory in New York’s 21st Congressional District on Tuesday night, and Sticker Mule was at the center of his remarks. By Wednesday night, though, the race was still uncalled even with Constantino ahead by about 6,000 votes and 95% of the vote reported.
He told supporters, "I want to say thank you to everyone at Sticker Mule that stayed by me through this adventure. I know it has been very difficult for the company, but I think we did the right thing for the country, for America, for the world, and we should be proud of what we did," while thousands of ballots were still being tallied across the North Country.
New York’s 21st Congressional District
The district’s turnout was 55%, which was 5% lower than 2022, and six counties turned blue, including Franklin, Essex, and Clinton counties. That mix left the result closer than many expected in a district usually described as heavily Republican-leaning, and the seat opened after Elise Stefanik’s departure.
Gendebien said, "We are closer than any other Democrat has been in a decade, and we helped to inspire record turnout with neighbors who sat out election after election and decided this one was worth winning," setting up a race that is still being decided by the ballots left on the table.
Harvey Schantz on the count
Harvey Schantz, a SUNY Plattsburgh political science professor, said, "Of course, if there are more remaining votes to be counted, then the difference between the candidates is that it’s always possible there will be a reversal of fortune. But as of now, it seems that Anthony Constantino is in the catbird seat," and that is the shape of the contest as of Wednesday night.
Garrett Domblewski, a WWNY reporter, said Constantino first shook his hand, then later singled him out and pushed the news crew out about 15 to 20 minutes later. Constantino also called out what he described as the evil news media during his speech, adding a sharper edge to a race that was still unresolved when he walked off the stage.
Thousands of ballots
The practical takeaway for voters in New York’s 21st Congressional District is simple: the lead exists, but the count is not finished. Constantino’s margin, the 95% reporting level, and the thousands of remaining ballots all point to a result that may still shift before the seat is finally settled in the North Country.
