Vance to Campaign for GOP Candidate in Upstate New York

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit upstate New York to campaign for Republican candidate Anthony Constantino, who is running to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st House District. The visit, planned for Monday, Nov. 2, is intended to bolster Constantino's campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 election, according to Republican insiders.

Vance's appearance is set to take place in Ogdensburg, a city within the sprawling 21st District, which spans 15 counties along the Vermont and Canadian borders and encompasses the Adirondack Park. The district, considered one of the state's reddest, previously saw President Trump win by 24 points in 2024. However, recent independent polls suggest a tightening race, with Democratic farmer Blake Gendebien showing a slight lead in some surveys.

Constantino, who leads a firm specializing in stickers and decals, faces a challenge from Gendebien. The Gendebien campaign viewed Vance's planned visit as a sign of weakness for the Republican effort.

"Anthony Constantino couldn’t find the North Country for a month, so the White House is sending the Vice President to find it for him," said Michael Waller, Gendebien’s campaign manager, in a press statement. "You don’t fly the Vice President into a plus-24 seat the day before the election unless you know you’re losing it. If the administration wants to see what its trade war did, Ogdensburg is the right stop. The bridge is right there. Ask anyone who works on it."

The Ogdensburg-Johnstown International Bridge connects New York with Ontario, Canada, across the St. Lawrence River. Constantino's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.