Anthony Constantino, the former boxer who leads printing company Sticker Mule, celebrated his win in New York’s 21st Congressional District with a fiery speech. He told a reporter to leave the room and called on President Donald Trump to consider pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“I think President Trump should consider freeing Diddy,” Constantino said of the imprisoned music producer, adding that Combs was a notable New Yorker who had done good things for the state.
The appeal stood in sharp contrast to the more reserved public manner of the district’s outgoing representative, Republican Elise Stefanik. It was also unclear how seriously Constantino meant the request. Combs was convicted of transporting people across state lines for prostitution.
Before bringing up Combs, Constantino said he wanted to fight for New York, restore a sense of excitement and create jobs. His 31-minute speech ranged across allies, opponents, the press, political power struggles and his plans for the country. A rapper friend also performed a freestyle tribute to his election victory.
Constantino repeatedly turned his attention to reporters, criticizing coverage of his Democratic opponent, Blake Gendebien. He objected to descriptions of Gendebien as a dairy farmer, arguing that it was Gendebien’s parents who had farmed dairy, not Gendebien himself.
He then pointed out two journalists in the audience and insulted them. At one point, he ordered a reporter to be removed, accusing him of being rude and saying he had deleted two of Constantino’s interviews.
Stefanik, once the House Republican conference chair and Trump’s first choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, had been widely viewed as a rising figure in the party. Trump later withdrew the nomination and asked her to stay in the House, where Republicans had a narrow majority. A few months later, Stefanik said she would not seek reelection or run for governor, citing her family and a desire to avoid a primary contest.
After the Republican primary, Stefanik endorsed Constantino, saying she believed he would work hard to earn voters’ support and represent families in the district. Trump also backed him.
Constantino drew attention in 2024 after putting a 100-foot “VOTE FOR TRUMP” sign on his company building. Local officials, including Democratic Mayor Michael Cinquanti, argued that the illuminated sign violated city rules and could distract drivers or affect traffic. Following a legal fight, courts allowed it to remain. Constantino called the ruling a major free-speech victory.
Constantino narrowly defeated Gendebien last Tuesday, winning 50.9% of the vote to his opponent’s 48.8%. On the campaign trail, he emphasized his support for Trump and his experience as a business owner. He also pledged to improve cellphone service in northern New York and lower utility costs.
Constantino is expected to take office on Jan. 3, 2027, with the rest of the 120th Congress.
