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.comnygop.orgfacebook.cominstagram.comnystateofpolitics.comthehill.comcityandstateny.comromesentinel.comnytimes.comwcax.comyahoo.comdailygazette.comusatoday.comjustfacts.votesmart.orghistory.house.govvotesmart.org
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 15, 2026
Robert Smullen lost the Republican primary for New York’s 21st Congressional District to Anthony Constantino. Constantino will now be the GOP nominee in the race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik. Smullen had the backing of local GOP officials and the state Conservative Party, and he had secured the Conservative Party nomination, which could still affect the general election ballot.
fec.gov+42
Articles
FFortune1 month ago
Mamdani's insurgents oust two Democratic congressmen in a sweep that rattles the party
Negative
NNewsmax1 month ago
Trump-Backed Constantino Wins N.Y.-21 GOP House Primary
Negative
FFortune1 month 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 Press2 months 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.
Town of Potsdam Republican Committee
Political organization
The Town of Potsdam Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen for NY-21.
Schoharie County Supervisor Bill Federice
Public endorsement
Schoharie County Supervisor Bill Federice backed Robert Smullen.
New York Conservative Party
Public figure
The New York Conservative Party endorsed Robert Smullen in the race to replace Elise Stefanik.
Clinton County Republican Committee
Political organization
The Clinton County Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen.
Jefferson County GOP Committee
Political organization
The Jefferson County GOP Committee endorsed Robert Smullen.
Ed Cox
Public figure
New York state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 race.
Republican Party chair Ed Cox
Public endorsement
The state Republican Party chair Ed Cox backed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 race.
Warren County Republican Committee
Political organization
The Warren County Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen for NY-21.
New York Republican State Committee
Political organization
The New York Republican State Committee endorsed Robert Smullen.
St. Lawrence County Republican Committee
Political organization
The St. Lawrence County Republican Committee endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 race.
Conservative Party of New York State
Public endorsement
The Conservative Party of New York State endorsed Robert Smullen in the NY-21 race.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$1.3M
$1.0M
$673.7K
$336.9K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$1.3M
$191.8K
$1.2M
$64.2K
Source: FEC