PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York’s primary is Tuesday, and candidates in the 21st Congressional District are preparing for what will be a competitive race as voters decide who they want to represent their party in November.
The race is to fill the seat vacated by Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Lake Placid restaurant owner Stuart Amoriell and dairy farmer Blake Gendebien are vying for the Democratic nomination. Businessman Anthony Constantino and current Assemblyman Robert Smullen are on the Republican ballot.
With the close of early voting on Sunday, the countdown toward Tuesday’s primary in New York begins. It’s a heated race for Republicans.
“I want to focus on putting more money into people’s pockets by only supporting legislation that does just that. Special interest won’t influence me in any way because I have no donors at all,” Constantino said.
“I want balanced budgets. I want to unleash American energy. I want to close our borders. But what people need to know is that I will represent all of the people in the 21st Congressional District,” Smullen said.
On the Democratic side, two men with strong community ties are vying for the nomination.
“I am fighting for universal healthcare. To strengthen our healthcare system. To get money and corporate power out of politics. To repair our relationship with Canada and our international alliances,” Amoriell said.
“If you want to save our rural hospitals, I am going to work for you. If you want to fight to maintain the benefits of our veterans and our seniors that have worked a lifetime to earn, I am going to fight for you,” Gendebien said.
As of Monday afternoon, Board of Elections officials say turnout is slightly higher than average, with more Democrats voting than Republicans, which election officials say is typical during early voting for the closed primary.
Jack McGuire with SUNY Potsdam says Republicans still have favorable odds heading into November, but it’s not certain with wavering support for President Trump’s second term.
“Given the headwinds against the GOP nationally, you can’t just assume that,” McGuire said.
McGuire also says he’s closely watching the contentious Republican race between Smullen and Constantino.
Smullen’s racked up the state party’s endorsements, but Constantino secured Trump’s coveted approval.
“I think it may help Constantino in the sense that he clearly is going to win the MAGA vote, but I would not believe that folks are kind of American First kind of Republican types, that they are necessarily going to jump for Constantino,” McGuire said.
Polls open statewide Tuesday morning starting at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
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