ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – Robert Smullen will not run in November for New York’s 21st Congressional District after meeting with President Trump.
Smullen lost the Republican primary in June to Trump-endorsed candidate Anthony Constantino. After that loss, Smullen hinted at a November run under the Conservative Party.
Now, Smullen says he met with the president and decided not to run.
In a statement, he says the president discussed other ways for him to pursue public service.
Constantino will face Democrat Blake Gendebien in November for the seat currently held by Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is not seeking reelection.
If Smullen had decided to run as a third-party candidate, it may have benefited Democrats by splitting the Republican vote and possibly flipping a coveted seat in Congress.
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