Mike Tyson Endorses GOP Candidate Anthony Constantino in New York Congressional Race

Boxing icon Mike Tyson has thrown his support behind Republican candidate Anthony Constantino in the competitive race for New York's 21st Congressional District. Constantino, a former professional boxer and founder of the manufacturing firm Sticker Mule, announced the endorsement on Monday.

Tyson, who grew up in Catskill, New York, appeared alongside Constantino and former President Donald Trump at a rally in Syracuse on Friday. Constantino noted that Tyson praised his television appearance during the event. Tyson, in turn, expressed his gratitude for being present with Trump, stating he wouldn't have been there without him.

The 21st Congressional District, which spans from the St. Lawrence Seaway to Saratoga County, is considered Republican-leaning. Trump secured a 21% margin of victory in the district in the last presidential election. However, recent polling suggests a close contest.

A Siena University poll indicated that Democratic candidate Blake Gendebien holds a narrow four-point lead over Constantino, 46% to 42%, with a margin of error of 4.6%. The same poll found that 52% of respondents viewed Constantino unfavorably, while 39% viewed him favorably. Former President Trump's favorability in the district also registered underwater, with 46% favorable and 52% unfavorable.

Constantino's campaign dismissed the Siena poll as inaccurate. "Anthony Constantino is winning NY-21 despite everyone in the media trying to prevent that at all costs," Alex DeGrasse, a former aide to Rep. Elise Stefanik and now a consultant for Constantino's campaign, stated.

Constantino emerged from a contested Republican primary, ultimately receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump. The candidate has also garnered attention for his pro-Trump stance and his background as an entrepreneur. Previously, Constantino announced his intention to run for Stefanik's seat before Trump withdrew her nomination for U.N. ambassador. He later relaunched his campaign, notable for a large "Vote for Trump" sign displayed at his business.

In response to the endorsement, Gendebien stated, "Anthony Constantino can tout all the celebrity muscle he wants, but standing next to a fighter doesn’t make you one." He added, "Voters will be in my corner on Election Day because they see right through Constantino — a featherweight who will do whatever Washington tells him."

New York Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs commented on Tyson's endorsement, saying, "I didn’t know Mike Tyson to be the sharpest tool in the box." He suggested Constantino sought Tyson's endorsement because he couldn't secure one from anyone credible, apart from Trump. Jacobs expressed doubt that voters in the North Country prioritize Tyson's political endorsements, questioning, "I don’t think voters in the North Country are going to bed asking, `Who is Mike Tyson voting for?'"

The Democratic Party has included Gendebien in its "Red to Blue" program, signaling a potential focus on unseating Constantino in the November election, though the extent of financial support remains uncertain.