Constantino and Gendebien Will Contest NY-21 Seat

The candidates will compete to fill the congressional vacancy following Elise Stefanik's 12-year term.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a geometric stone plinth before a neoclassical portico, symbolizing congressional election processes. — Anthony Constantino and Blake Gendebien will compete in November 2026 for the vacant New York 21st Congressional District seat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Anthony Constantino and Blake Gendebien are set to face off in November 2026 for the vacant seat in New York's 21st Congressional District. The contest follows the departure of Elise Stefanik, who held the seat for 12 years.

Why it matters

The outcome of this congressional election may determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Voters will choose between candidates residing on opposite sides of the Adirondack Park.

Amsterdam features a population density of 3,093.3 residents per square mile and is 34% Latino, while Lisbon has a density of 39.1 residents per square mile. Montgomery County spans 403.1 square miles, significantly less than St. Lawrence County's 2,679.5 square miles.

The players

Anthony Constantino

He is a candidate for the U.S. House seat and owns a printing business in Amsterdam.

Blake Gendebien

He is a candidate for the U.S. House seat and works as a dairy farmer in Lisbon.

Elise Stefanik

She is the former representative who vacated the congressional seat after serving for 12 years.

The details

Anthony Constantino operates a printing business in Amsterdam, while Blake Gendebien is a dairy farmer based in Lisbon. The candidates draw from vastly different geographic environments located on opposite sides of the Adirondack Park.

Elise Stefanik held the congressional seat for the past 12 years.
Anthony Constantino released a hip hop album during the current year.
The congressional election is scheduled for November 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the current electoral strategy often argue that the geographic and demographic divide between the two counties complicates regional party unity. These critics contend that such district-wide disparities make it difficult for any single candidate to effectively represent the interests of both urban and rural constituencies.

Voters in the 21st District will see their local representation change for the first time in over a decade. This transition may affect federal funding allocations and legislative priorities for both the urban centers of Montgomery County and the rural landscape of St. Lawrence County.

The takeaway

The race highlights the challenge of bridging the gap between urban density and rural agricultural life in a single congressional district. Residents should monitor candidate platforms to understand how each plans to address the unique needs of their respective economic regions.