The Conservative Party of New York State has announced its support for Republican state Assemblymember Robert Smullen in his campaign for New York’s 21st Congressional District, praising him as a suitable conservative successor to outgoing Rep. Elise Stefanik.
In a February 10 statement, the party said a majority of Conservative Party leaders within the district had weighed in on the race and identified Smullen as the organization’s “presumptive choice” for Congress. Although its formal interview process is still ongoing and petition circulation does not begin until February 24, the party said Smullen has already met with most of the district’s organized county committees, prompting it to “send a clear signal” of support now.
Smullen first announced his congressional bid in November 2025 after Rep. Elise Stefanik confirmed she would neither seek re-election to Congress nor continue her campaign in the Republican Party’s gubernatorial primary. He currently faces businessman Anthony Constantino in the Republican primary.
“The retired decorated Marine Colonel—who is a successful businessman and state legislator—has a long history of supporting conservative causes and principles,” the party said of Smullen. “In the State Assembly, since first being elected to represent the 118th Assembly District in 2018, Bob has maintained one of the highest Conservative ratings in the Legislature.”
The party further praised Smullen for his support of President Donald Trump’s domestic and international agenda, particularly on border security and renewing respect of the United States abroad. It said he would continue the work of Stefanik, whom it called “a fierce advocate” for the district and who had received the party’s support in each of her prior campaigns.
Under New York’s fusion voting system, candidates may appear on the general election ballot on multiple party lines if those organizations have ballot access, such as the Conservative and Working Families parties. If formally nominated by state Conservatives and successful in the Republican primary, Smullen would appear on both lines in November, allowing votes cast on either ballot line to count toward his total. The Republican primary will take place on June 23.
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