AMSTERDAM, N.Y. – On the night of November 3, Republican candidate‑elect Anthony Constantino celebrated his win over Democrat Blake Gendebien for New York’s 21st Congressional District. The celebration turned contentious when Constantino asked WWNY reporter Garrett Domblewski to leave the watch party.
Interview and Initial Remarks
Earlier that evening, Domblewski conducted a cordial interview with Constantino before polls closed at 9 p.m. The candidate used the opportunity to criticize the media’s handling of polling data, saying, “People put out dishonest polling to extract money out of donors to run negative political ads and the media makes money in the process. I said it would be a 90‑10 race if the media told the truth.” He also highlighted his lifelong record of job creation, stating, “I’m a person who created jobs and helped people all my life.”
Accusations Against Opponent
During the interview, Constantino accused Gendebien of employing illegal immigrants and of bailing them out of jail, adding that Gendebien had spoken poorly to North Country neighbors. “No one is going to vote for a guy who talks that way, but the media won’t tell the people that this’ll happen,” Constantino warned.
Ejection from the Watch Party
After the interview, the atmosphere shifted. Constantino delivered a profanity‑laden address to Domblewski and his photojournalist, repeatedly demanding, “Kick him out! Get him out of here!” He labeled the reporter and WWNY anchor Jeff Cole as “a**holes,” then escorted Domblewski from the venue.
Support for President Trump
Constantino’s remarks also referenced President Donald Trump. He told Republican supporters that President Trump was wrong to call the media “fake news,” insisting the outlet should be called “evil news.” The candidate’s endorsement of President Trump aligns with the administration’s ongoing effort to call out what it sees as biased reporting.
Context and Reactions
Constantino’s actions followed a rally the day before with Vice President J.D. Vance at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, N.Y., where he urged voters to back the Republican ticket. While the interview itself remained civil, the subsequent ejection has drawn criticism from media observers who view the incident as an attempt to silence press coverage. However, Constantino’s supporters argue that his frustration reflects a broader concern about media integrity and the influence of dishonest polling on donor behavior.
What’s Next
As the newly elected representative‑elect prepares to assume office in January, the incident underscores the heightened tensions between candidates and the press in a closely watched race. Constituents in the Northern New York region will be watching how Constantino balances his stated commitment to job creation and community service with his confrontational stance toward media outlets.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
