Constantino Wins New York’s 21st District

Trump-backed Republican businessman Anthony Constantino won New York’s 21st Congressional District, succeeding Elise Stefanik and keeping the seat in Republican hands. He defeated Democrat Blake Gendebien by roughly 6,000 votes in one of the district’s closest races in years; Gendebien said he was not conceding while ballots were still being counted. Constantino drew national attention for his pro-Trump rap album, a giant rooftop “Vote for Trump” sign, and support for freeing Sean “Diddy” Combs. In his victory-night speech, Constantino profanely attacked journalists, and a local reporter was escorted from the event. Gendebien said his campaign brought unusually strong Democratic turnout, though it was not enough to flip the Republican-leaning district.