How Displaying a Trump Sign Might Lead to a Congressional Seat
Anthony Constantino is vying to take over the position held by Rep. Elise Stefanik in the House.
TroibNews 
ALBANY, New York — In upstate New York, a 42-year-old boxer is turning his 100-foot sign in support of Donald Trump into a bid for the House seat currently held by Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Anthony Constantino, the creator of the sign, is actively seeking to fill Stefanik’s position and has been engaging with GOP leaders who have the ability to nominate her replacement.
The founder of printing company Sticker Mule, Constantino has connections to the Trump family. He shared with PMG that he had dinner with Donald Trump Jr. earlier this year and visited Mar-a-Lago last November. He has also received guidance and support from Roger Stone, a veteran Trump ally.
Constantino is leveraging the recognition he gained from his fervent support for Trump — as well as his public dispute with local officials regarding his sign — to launch his congressional campaign. His primary objective is to address what he perceives as hatred directed toward the incoming president.
“The country needs more people like President Trump, Elon Musk, people like myself who don’t aspire to be politically involved people, but just want to do what’s right for the country,” said Constantino in an interview.
A special election for the expansive, predominantly Republican district, extending from the outskirts of Albany to the Canadian border, has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, Stefanik remains in office as her nomination to the U.N. awaits Senate confirmation. A direct endorsement in the race from Trump or Stefanik could significantly influence the county leaders’ decisions, and while candidates want this endorsement, many have taken a cautious approach, respecting Stefanik and avoiding the appearance of eagerness.
“Why would you not want to hear the input from Team Elise and Team Trump?” asked Fulton County GOP Chair Susan McNeil. “Of course we want to hear from them.”
Trump has made appointments from the House GOP conference for his administration, leading to special elections in states such as New York and Florida. Although this will temporarily narrow his party’s slim majority, it could allow him to endorse favored successors for those leaving their positions.
Trump’s history with political endorsements has shown mixed results, sometimes leading to unfavorable outcomes for Republican candidates. Notable endorsements include controversial figures like Roy Moore in Alabama and Herschel Walker in Georgia, both of whom were defeated by Democrats.
Constantino, who is skilled in self-promotion on conservative podcasts and cable television, is part of a new wave of candidates that have emerged during the Trump era. He maintains a strong presence on X, where he shares media appearances, showcases his business, and supports various charitable efforts.
If he becomes the nominee, Constantino would surpass several established Republicans vying for Stefanik’s seat, including state lawmakers and the party’s 2022 U.S. Senate nominee, Joe Pinion. His unconventional path to politics reflects the shifting landscape of the Republican Party influenced by Trump.
Trump’s transition team has not responded to inquiries regarding a potential endorsement.
Having previously registered as a Democrat — prompted by a friend’s campaign in Albany during high school — Constantino recently switched his affiliation to the GOP. However, one Republican county chair indicated that his party change wouldn’t be seen as an obstacle.
All prospective candidates are pro-Trump, aligning with a party reshaped by the president-elect’s base. Although Stefanik initially criticized Trump, she later became a staunch defender during his first impeachment trial.
Constantino, however, stands out with his active support for Trump. He gained notoriety among Trump’s supporters when he erected a massive sign in Amsterdam, New York, endorsing the Republican presidential nominee. He reported being inspired to create the sign after the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
“One of the biggest problems in the country is anti-Trump hate and hatred toward Trump supporters,” Constantino remarked.
The sign sparked controversy, leading the city’s Democratic mayor to seek a court order for its removal, claiming it posed a distraction for drivers. Constantino's legal battle with local authorities turned him into a recognized figure within Trump’s MAGA community and garnered attention from the incoming president. Stone expressed interest in Constantino’s efforts, even sending him a letter of support and facilitating a dinner with Don Jr.
Eventually, a state court ruled in Constantino’s favor, allowing the sign to remain just in time for a party. Mayor Michael Cinquanti did not respond to requests for comments on the matter.
This confrontation with municipal officials attracted coverage from conservative media, including Newsmax and Fox News. Stone, who has been involved in New York politics, lauded Constantino on a podcast, likening him to figures like Trump and Ronald Reagan.
“I would argue that your lack of political experience is not a negative, it’s actually a plus,” Stone told him. “This is what the Founding Fathers actually envisioned.”
Stone did not respond to messages seeking comment. Nevertheless, Constantino, acknowledging the mixed opinions about Stone, is benefiting from his guidance as the controversial Republican operative seeks to support his candidacy.
“Roger appreciated what I did with the sign,” Constantino explained. “I got to know him through that. He’s been one of my biggest advocates.”
In 2010, Constantino founded Sticker Mule, a company specializing in customized stickers, labels, and packaging. He employs over 1,200 people, primarily in upstate New York, with operations in Italy for the European market. In 2022, he ventured into boxing as a professional, holding a 4-1 record, but has since put his boxing career on pause.
Transitioning into the political arena poses a different kind of challenge for him. This month, he established a campaign committee, and if local Republican leaders do not back him for the special election, he intends to run for the GOP nomination in the 2026 election.
Constantino plans to finance his campaign with $2.6 million earned from investing in Tesla — shares bought when prices fell following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. He shared a screenshot of his brokerage account as proof of his financial capacity.
Decisions from Republican county chairs in the district are not expected until after Stefanik receives Senate confirmation. Despite this, some local GOP leaders are intrigued by Constantino’s unique approach to politics.
“Like millions of Americans he’s become politically aware following Donald Trump — and a new brand of politics,” noted Saratoga County Republican Chair Joe Suhrada.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Anthony Constantino, the creator of the sign, is actively seeking to fill Stefanik’s position and has been engaging with GOP leaders who have the ability to nominate her replacement.
The founder of printing company Sticker Mule, Constantino has connections to the Trump family. He shared with PMG that he had dinner with Donald Trump Jr. earlier this year and visited Mar-a-Lago last November. He has also received guidance and support from Roger Stone, a veteran Trump ally.
Constantino is leveraging the recognition he gained from his fervent support for Trump — as well as his public dispute with local officials regarding his sign — to launch his congressional campaign. His primary objective is to address what he perceives as hatred directed toward the incoming president.
“The country needs more people like President Trump, Elon Musk, people like myself who don’t aspire to be politically involved people, but just want to do what’s right for the country,” said Constantino in an interview.
A special election for the expansive, predominantly Republican district, extending from the outskirts of Albany to the Canadian border, has not yet been announced. Meanwhile, Stefanik remains in office as her nomination to the U.N. awaits Senate confirmation. A direct endorsement in the race from Trump or Stefanik could significantly influence the county leaders’ decisions, and while candidates want this endorsement, many have taken a cautious approach, respecting Stefanik and avoiding the appearance of eagerness.
“Why would you not want to hear the input from Team Elise and Team Trump?” asked Fulton County GOP Chair Susan McNeil. “Of course we want to hear from them.”
Trump has made appointments from the House GOP conference for his administration, leading to special elections in states such as New York and Florida. Although this will temporarily narrow his party’s slim majority, it could allow him to endorse favored successors for those leaving their positions.
Trump’s history with political endorsements has shown mixed results, sometimes leading to unfavorable outcomes for Republican candidates. Notable endorsements include controversial figures like Roy Moore in Alabama and Herschel Walker in Georgia, both of whom were defeated by Democrats.
Constantino, who is skilled in self-promotion on conservative podcasts and cable television, is part of a new wave of candidates that have emerged during the Trump era. He maintains a strong presence on X, where he shares media appearances, showcases his business, and supports various charitable efforts.
If he becomes the nominee, Constantino would surpass several established Republicans vying for Stefanik’s seat, including state lawmakers and the party’s 2022 U.S. Senate nominee, Joe Pinion. His unconventional path to politics reflects the shifting landscape of the Republican Party influenced by Trump.
Trump’s transition team has not responded to inquiries regarding a potential endorsement.
Having previously registered as a Democrat — prompted by a friend’s campaign in Albany during high school — Constantino recently switched his affiliation to the GOP. However, one Republican county chair indicated that his party change wouldn’t be seen as an obstacle.
All prospective candidates are pro-Trump, aligning with a party reshaped by the president-elect’s base. Although Stefanik initially criticized Trump, she later became a staunch defender during his first impeachment trial.
Constantino, however, stands out with his active support for Trump. He gained notoriety among Trump’s supporters when he erected a massive sign in Amsterdam, New York, endorsing the Republican presidential nominee. He reported being inspired to create the sign after the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania.
“One of the biggest problems in the country is anti-Trump hate and hatred toward Trump supporters,” Constantino remarked.
The sign sparked controversy, leading the city’s Democratic mayor to seek a court order for its removal, claiming it posed a distraction for drivers. Constantino's legal battle with local authorities turned him into a recognized figure within Trump’s MAGA community and garnered attention from the incoming president. Stone expressed interest in Constantino’s efforts, even sending him a letter of support and facilitating a dinner with Don Jr.
Eventually, a state court ruled in Constantino’s favor, allowing the sign to remain just in time for a party. Mayor Michael Cinquanti did not respond to requests for comments on the matter.
This confrontation with municipal officials attracted coverage from conservative media, including Newsmax and Fox News. Stone, who has been involved in New York politics, lauded Constantino on a podcast, likening him to figures like Trump and Ronald Reagan.
“I would argue that your lack of political experience is not a negative, it’s actually a plus,” Stone told him. “This is what the Founding Fathers actually envisioned.”
Stone did not respond to messages seeking comment. Nevertheless, Constantino, acknowledging the mixed opinions about Stone, is benefiting from his guidance as the controversial Republican operative seeks to support his candidacy.
“Roger appreciated what I did with the sign,” Constantino explained. “I got to know him through that. He’s been one of my biggest advocates.”
In 2010, Constantino founded Sticker Mule, a company specializing in customized stickers, labels, and packaging. He employs over 1,200 people, primarily in upstate New York, with operations in Italy for the European market. In 2022, he ventured into boxing as a professional, holding a 4-1 record, but has since put his boxing career on pause.
Transitioning into the political arena poses a different kind of challenge for him. This month, he established a campaign committee, and if local Republican leaders do not back him for the special election, he intends to run for the GOP nomination in the 2026 election.
Constantino plans to finance his campaign with $2.6 million earned from investing in Tesla — shares bought when prices fell following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. He shared a screenshot of his brokerage account as proof of his financial capacity.
Decisions from Republican county chairs in the district are not expected until after Stefanik receives Senate confirmation. Despite this, some local GOP leaders are intrigued by Constantino’s unique approach to politics.
“Like millions of Americans he’s become politically aware following Donald Trump — and a new brand of politics,” noted Saratoga County Republican Chair Joe Suhrada.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
