Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino Joins Race for Congressional Seat

FIRST ON FOX: Anthony Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, has officially declared his candidacy to fill the Congressional vacancy left by Rep. Elise Stefanik’s impending departure to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Known for his outspoken support of former President Donald Trump, Constantino’s decision comes as New York prepares for a special election in the 21st District.

A Commitment to Self-Fund

Constantino, a 40-year-old businessman who famously installed a massive “Vote for Trump” sign in upstate New York ahead of the election, announced his intention to self-fund his campaign with a significant .6 million. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, he expressed enthusiasm and a sense of urgency about his candidacy.

“My phones are ringing off the hook with people encouraging me to run,” he stated. “Like President Trump, I am an outsider with a unique skill set. I believe it’s time for more individuals with similar backgrounds to step into politics.”

Understanding the Landscape

Stefanik, who serves New York’s 21st Congressional District—an area distinguished for its solid Republican base, encompassing parts of the Adirondacks and Thousand Islands—is expected to resign from Congress following her nomination to the Trump administration.

“I am honored to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” President Trump stated. Stefanik expressed her gratitude for the nomination, emphasizing her dedication to serving the American people both at home and abroad.

The Special Election Context

Stefanik’s recent re-election victory, which saw her secure over 24% of the vote against her opponent Paula Collins, sets the stage for a special election to fill her seat. Constantino has already taken steps to position himself as a serious candidate, filing paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to establish his campaign committee.

Once a registered Democrat, Constantino is now among several Republicans vying for the GOP nomination. His lack of previous political ambitions distinguishes him from other candidates, most of whom come from established political backgrounds. “I had no political ambitions until just a few months ago,” he noted, attributing his motivation to take a stand against political hatred to the recent violence against Trump, including a shooting incident at a campaign rally.

Inspired Action Following Violence

In July, a bullet struck Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania, tragically killing a volunteer firefighter. This incident galvanized Constantino to actively support Trump and the broader MAGA movement. “I felt compelled to unite people and stand against this anti-Trump hate,” he explained. His commitment was manifested in his distribution of a viral message to his customer base of 5 million and in challenging local government over the removal of his pro-Trump sign.

Addressing New York’s Challenges

Constantino strongly believes that New York faces significant challenges, with a pressing need to attract residents back to the state. “The biggest issue in New York is that people are leaving,” he lamented. “We need to bring energy and enthusiasm back to the state and show everyone that New York is safe for people from all political backgrounds, whether they be Democrats or Republicans.”

Navigating the Special Election Process

The path to the special election will not follow the traditional Republican primary format. Instead, party chairs in the district will select nominees. This method could advantage seasoned political insiders, with potential contenders including former Rep. Marc Molinaro and local state lawmakers.

However, Constantino’s wealth and his grassroots appeal within online MAGA communities give him a unique edge. He plans to utilize his significant personal financial gains from his investments in Tesla—a decision he made after the company’s CEO Elon Musk purchased Twitter—as campaign funds. “I made a .6 million bet on Tesla, which I will fully use to fund my campaign,” he shared on social media.

Independence from Special Interests

Constantino’s financial independence serves as a crucial aspect of his campaign. He asserts a commitment to maintaining integrity and prioritizing constituents over special interests. “I’m self-funding my campaign to avoid becoming a drain on the party,” he stated. “My goal is to remain ethically and morally responsible and to serve the best interests of the people.”

Community Support and Future Plans

As his campaign gears up, Constantino aims to meet with local GOP chairs to strategize his approach to securing their support. He is conscious of the considerable influence Stefanik may wield over the selection of her successor, underscoring the importance of aligning with her as he navigates this political landscape.

Through his entry into politics, Anthony Constantino exemplifies the new wave of politically-engaged business leaders driven by personal conviction and a desire for impactful change. With the backing of a dedicated constituency and a keen focus on revitalizing New York, Constantino aims to emerge as a formidable candidate in the upcoming special election.