McLaughlin & Associates
50%40%30%20%10%0%
43%
NY-21 Republican nominee?
$31.5K
JUN 27, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
Age57 years old (Jul 29, 1968)
GenderMale
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LocationNew York
BackgroundPolitician
EducationThe Citadel (BA)
Notable personal detailsRobert J. Smullen is a Republican politician and retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel. He has represented New York State Assembly District 118 since January 9, 2019. He ran for U.S. House in New York's 21st Congressional District in the 2026 cycle and previously served as a White House Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy (2003–2004).
SourcesShowHide
fec.govrobertsmullenforcongress.comen.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgwxxinews.orgresults.elections.ny.govnorthcountrypublicradio.orgspectrumlocalnews.comwamc.orgthecandidate.comcnhi.comdocquery.fec.govapnews.comwwnytv.comsmarter.voteivoterguide.comlinkedin.comadirondackdailyenterprise.comzeta.creativecirclecdn.comassembly.state.ny.usnyassembly.govwrvo.orgnysenate.govtimesunion.comassembly.ny.govwnyt.comcpnys.orgcbs6albany.comuschamber.compolitico.comfacebook.comnystateofpolitics.comthehill.comcityandstateny.comromesentinel.comnytimes.comdailygazette.comcongress.govballotready.orghistory.house.govgovinfo.govcha.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports reducing tax burdens and cutting wasteful government spending while opposing state budget measures he views as fiscally irresponsible. Emphasizes pro-growth, conservative economic policies including support for lower taxes for working people and fiscal restraint at the state level.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to healthcare in rural communities, improving affordability, expanding telemedicine, incentivizing healthcare workers to serve rural areas, and improving veterans’ access and mental health services.
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Immigration & Border
Supports legal immigration while opposing measures that extend state benefits to undocumented immigrants; has publicly criticized bills allowing undocumented people to obtain driver’s licenses and said immigration should proceed through legal channels. Emphasizes enforcement measures to prevent undocumented entry or benefits rather than broad regularization or pathways to citizenship.
Climate & Energy
Robert Smullen supports protecting traditional rural energy practices and opposes rapid, top-down renewable mandates that he says would harm affordability and local control. He has introduced legislation to preserve wood burning for heat, led GOP efforts questioning the costs of New York’s renewable and zero‑emission mandates, and criticized state renewable siting rules that remove local input.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports protecting Second Amendment rights and lawful gun ownership while opposing recent New York restrictions on concealed carry; emphasizes hunting traditions and law enforcement/public safety priorities. Advocates tougher criminal justice measures to address crime while criticizing state gun laws as burdensome to law-abiding citizens.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 4, 2026
Robert Smullen lost the Republican primary in New York's 21st Congressional District to Anthony Constantino, who is now the GOP nominee for the seat. The race had been closely watched because Donald Trump backed Constantino while local GOP and Conservative Party leaders supported Smullen. Smullen had also secured the Conservative Party nomination, which could still affect the general election ballot.
fec.gov+41
Articles
FFortune10 days ago
Mamdani's insurgents oust two Democratic congressmen in a sweep that rattles the party
Negative
NNewsmax11 days ago
Trump-Backed Constantino Wins N.Y.-21 GOP House Primary
Negative
FFortune22 days ago
Upstate New York sticker mogul has a bronze Trump statue, MAGA hip-hop album and a presidential endorsement. The local machine wants the Marine
Neutral
TAThe Associated Press23 days ago
Trump Republican goes all in on the president in upstate New York GOP primary
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
NY-21 Republican nominee?
Endorsers of Robert Smullen for NY-21 Republican nominee?
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy group
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Robert Smullen for New York's 21st Congressional District.
Town of Potsdam Republican Committee
Political organization
The Town of Potsdam Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen for NY-21.
local Republican party officials
Labor organization
Local Republican party officials endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 Republican primary.
New York state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox
Public endorsement
New York state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 race.
New York Republican Party
Public figure
The New York Republican Party endorsed Robert Smullen in the race to replace Elise Stefanik.
New York GOP
Public endorsement
New York GOP endorsed Robert Smullen in the Stefanik successor race.
Jefferson County GOP Committee
Political organization
The Jefferson County GOP Committee endorsed Robert Smullen.
St. Lawrence County Republican Committee
Political organization
The St. Lawrence County Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 Republican primary.
New York State Conservative Party
Public endorsement
The New York State Conservative Party endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 race.
Clinton County Republican Committee
Political organization
Clinton County Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.3M
$975.1K
$650.1K
$325.0K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.3M
$525.0K
$775.2K
$43.1K
Source: FEC