Republican businessman Anthony Constantino is threatening legal action against the pollster behind a recent survey that shows him trailing his Democratic opponent by 10 points in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Elise Stefanik. The News Channel 13/ Survey USA poll indicates Constantino, who runs the Sticker Mule company, is behind dairy farmer Blake Gendebien with 43% to Gendebien's 39%.
Constantino, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, publicly denounced the poll on X, calling it an example of "political corruption." He stated that the poll was released to "help the Democratic Party fundraise" and that his team is consulting with lawyers. He also claims to have conducted his own poll showing him "way up."
The district, which is mostly rural and heavily white, has a 10-point Republican advantage, according to the Cook Political Report, and Trump won it by more than 20 points in 2024. Rep. Stefanik, who was elected to her sixth term in 2024 by a 62-38 margin, vacated her seat to run for governor.
This poll comes as national surveys show Democrats with a 7-point lead over Republicans in generic polling and performing strongly in U.S. Senate races in states considered to be Republican-leaning. Ed Rollins, who managed Ronald Reagan's 1984 presidential campaign, commented that more House races are currently competitive than in previous years.
Constantino's campaign team also alleged that the poll may have undercounted rural voters and included a write-in candidate, which they claim contradicts typical favorability ratings for Gov. Hochul. The candidate pointed to a prior primary poll that showed him trailing despite Trump's endorsement, though he ultimately won the primary by 19 points.
Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Gendebien welcomed the poll results, suggesting that voters are seeking "results" over "name-calling and stunts." His party's campaign arm has added the race to its list of competitive districts.
Former President Trump has shown support for Republican candidates, recently appearing with others on stage at an event in Garden City. Constantino was among those present at the event.