New York — 21st District

Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino says his victory in New York's 21st Congressional District primary reflects growing voter frustration with Democratic policies, as both parties prepare for a closely watched general election this fall.

Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, won a competitive Republican primary to become the party's nominee in the district formerly represented by Rep. Elise Stefanik. Speaking with The National News Desk, he said the campaign set a new turnout record for a Republican primary in the district.

"I have the record now—most votes in the NY-21 primary history," Constantino said. "We took it back from the Democrats."

Constantino said voters responded to his business background, his decision to largely self-fund his campaign and his record in manufacturing.

"They like that I'm self-funding, that I'm an independent thinker, that I have a history of creating jobs—particularly American manufacturing jobs," he said. "I built an American manufacturing company from scratch in upstate New York."

He also described himself as "a truth teller" and contrasted his campaign with that of his Democratic opponent.

The race comes as Democrats continue to debate the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates within the party. Asked about that trend, Constantino argued that progressive voices are no longer on the party's fringe.

"I don't think they're infiltrating. They're letting them in," he said, pointing to progressive figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Constantino said he believes Democratic policies on immigration and government regulation are out of step with many voters.

"This is why I got involved in politics as an outsider," he said. "The way to make America great again, the way to help all citizens, is to get involved as a Republican."

The longtime manufacturing executive also argued that government regulations have made it increasingly difficult for businesses to grow in New York.

"The Democrat Party wants to regulate businesses to death," Constantino said.

He pointed to population declines in New York as evidence that businesses are losing workers to other states.

"Two million lifelong New Yorkers left in the last 10 years because of Democrat Party politics," he said. "The regulations are killing us."

Constantino said rebuilding American manufacturing requires reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging businesses to invest domestically.

The interview also touched on New York's decision to pause new hyperscale AI data center projects while lawmakers study their potential environmental and community impacts.

Constantino said he supports allowing local communities to decide whether to host AI infrastructure projects rather than having the state impose a blanket policy.

"AI is incredible," he said. "I've never seen something adopted so quickly."

While acknowledging concerns about large data centers, Constantino argued those decisions should remain local.

"This should be a decision that every area gets to make, every county gets to make, every district gets to make," he said. "The governor shouldn't be intervening."

During the interview, Constantino also criticized New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's leadership and accused his Democratic opponent of accepting contributions from individuals he described as being affiliated with Communist China. Those allegations have not been independently verified during the interview.

The race for New York's 21st Congressional District is expected to be closely watched as Republicans seek to maintain their House majority and Democrats attempt to regain seats in competitive districts ahead of the midterm elections.