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NY Republicans hold onto retiring Rep. Elise Stefanik’s seat as Trump ally Constantino declares victory
Anthony Constantino declared victory in the race to replace retiring Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, putting the party on course to retain New York’s 21st Congressional District. The close contest was a rare Republican success in a state where Democrats made gains, and showed how a traditionally safe seat had become competitive.
With 80% of votes counted, Constantino led Democrat Blake Gendebien by about two points, 51% to 48.8%. Constantino, a printing company CEO, spent $17 million of his own money on the campaign; the race tightened amid party divisions and concerns over costs linked to tariffs and the Iran war, despite Donald Trump’s strong 2024 showing in the district.
In short
- Anthony Constantino claimed victory in a close race for Stefanik’s seat.
- He led Blake Gendebien by about two points with 80% counted.
- The result offered Republicans a rare bright spot in New York.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Constantino’s lead suggests voters may prefer keeping the seat with Republicans, whose policies and alignment with Trump may better reflect the district’s recent electoral choices. Retaining the seat could also preserve continuity in its representation, while his substantial personal spending allowed him to make a strong case to voters in a closely contested race.
The case against
The narrow margin shows that many voters were open to a change, amid concerns about costs linked to tariffs and the Iran war and divisions within the Republican Party. Gendebien’s strong showing in a traditionally safe Republican district could be seen as evidence that voters wanted greater scrutiny of the party’s approach and a different representative.
Explained simply
New York’s 21st Congressional District covers a large area in the state’s north, along the Canadian border. It elects one member to the US House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, where lawmakers make federal laws and approve government spending.
Elise Stefanik, a Republican, had represented the district before deciding to retire. The contest to replace her brought together Republican Anthony Constantino, a business owner, and Democrat Blake Gendebien.
The district had usually been a safe seat for Republicans, but this race was close. Its result matters to both parties because control of the House can affect which legislation advances and how the federal government is overseen.