North Country Republican Feud Heats Up as Primary Battle Looms

The Republican Assemblymember Robert Smullen recently faced questions about his intentions to challenge Rep. Elise Stefanik in a GOP primary after reports surfaced of a private meeting where he allegedly floated the idea. The discussion, which occurred in July 2021, was described by two anonymous sources as an exploratory conversation about challenging Stefanik for the NY-21 seat she has held since 2015. Smullen, however, denied any plans to primary her, emphasizing his respect for her leadership and work on behalf of Upstate New York.

The meeting took place amid concerns among New York Republicans about impending redistricting, which could redraw the boundaries of Stefanik’s sprawling North Country district. Smullen reportedly raised the idea during a conversation focused on rural development, but sources indicated he was ultimately dissuaded from pursuing the challenge. Despite this, Smullen has consistently supported Stefanik, contributing thousands to her campaigns and appearing alongside her at events, including a 2022 fundraiser for his reelection campaign.

Currently, Smullen is running for the House seat Stefanik is vacating in the June 23 primary. His opponent is Anthony Constantino, a Trump-endorsed candidate who has garnered support from prominent figures like Roger Stone and Rudy Giuliani. Stefanik, who recently ended her bid for governor after a short-lived campaign, has not endorsed either candidate but remains a influential figure in the race.

The primary battle has drawn significant attention due to the district’s reliably red voting history and its alignment with former President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. Smullen’s candidacy has also received a rare endorsement from the New York Republican Committee, highlighting his position as a strong contender in the race. The feud between Smullen and Stefanik, while largely unspoken, underscores the tensions within New York’s GOP as they navigate a high-stakes political landscape.