PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Candidates are lining up in hopes of replacing North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, including a political newcomer.
Stefanik could soon be appointed to President Trump’s cabinet after being nominated for U.S. ambassador to the U.N. A vote should be coming in the Senate in the next few days.
In the meantime, about a dozen Republicans have expressed interest in running for Stefanik’s seat in the U.S. House. Many are state lawmakers, but one is a political newcomer. Anthony Constantino is the CEO of an internet printing company based in the Albany area, who hopes to convince party chairs that he would be the best choice to replace Stefanik. He says securing the northern border and better broadband and cell service are the biggest issues facing the district.
“All immigration needs to be illegal. Donald Trump understands we need a totally secure border. Donald Trump understands that very well. I understand that, too. We’ve got to fix that quickly. As a businessperson, I understand that there’s tremendous benefits to the internet economy. I own a massive internet company, but in order to have a massive internet company and enjoy the internet economy, you need to have access to the internet. So, our district is lacking high-speed internet, it’s lacking cell service,” Constantino said.
Friday, he met with one of the 15 party chairs within the 21st District who will be choosing the nominee after Stefanik vacates her seat and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul calls for a special election.
North Country state Sen. Dan Stec is also seeking that Republican nomination.
