DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 21
TRUMP FOR CONSTANTINO: In a significant endorsement, President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Anthony Constantino, a Republican House candidate aiming to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik. Constantino, the dynamic CEO of Sticker Mule, is known for his bold approach and alignment with the MAGA movement, which seems to have paid dividends in his campaign against Assemblymember Robert Smullen.
Trump’s endorsement of Constantino, despite Smullen’s backing by state GOP figures and local officials, mirrors Trump’s own past victory over the Republican establishment a decade ago. Constantino’s campaign has garnered support from figures who embody Trump’s style, including Rudy Giuliani and Roger Stone, both of whom are closely associated with Trump’s political strategies.
Trump highlighted these connections in a Truth Social post, emphasizing Constantino’s alignment with key MAGA figures like Giuliani and Stone. Adding to this display of loyalty, Constantino has prominently displayed a “Vote for Trump” sign on a building visible from Interstate 90, which survived a legal challenge from local Democrats. Trump praised this gesture, noting Constantino’s unwavering support.
Smullen, on the other hand, remains undeterred by Trump’s involvement in the primary. He attributes the endorsement to a consultant influencing the president, suggesting a misstep on Trump’s part. However, the endorsement poses a significant challenge for Smullen, who is vying to replace a staunch pro-MAGA representative in a district Trump has repeatedly won.
This development underscores the unusual dynamics within the state GOP. The party’s leadership backed Smullen, expressing reservations about Constantino’s approach. As the party looks toward a future without Stefanik, who faced setbacks in a potential appointment to the United Nations, tensions linger over the handling of her succession.
A GOP insider remarked on the tumultuous situation, noting Stefanik’s withdrawal from the gubernatorial race and the consequent influence of figures like Stone, describing the unfolding events as part of a broader reckoning among Stefanik’s allies and Trump supporters.
For Constantino, Trump’s endorsement is a pivotal moment in a campaign once considered a long shot. “I had a great talk with President Trump and am honored to receive his endorsement,” Constantino stated, expressing optimism about his prospects in the general election.
FROM CITY HALL
CC YOU IN COURT: The New York City Police Benevolent Association has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), accusing it of harming officers’ reputations by releasing unredacted and unsubstantiated complaints. According to the PBA, the CCRB began fulfilling Freedom of Information Law requests for complaints involving sexual misconduct, racial bias, and false statements in October, posting them publicly without redaction.
PBA President Patrick Hendry criticized the CCRB’s actions as unfair and unconstitutional, claiming they are part of a strategy to deter proactive law enforcement. The PBA contends that the CCRB understands the potential damage of these allegations, noting that the board publishes a redacted version of complaints on its website.
The city’s Law Department chose not to comment, while a CCRB spokesperson defended the agency’s investigative procedures as thorough and impartial. The spokesperson added that the agency continually reviews laws regarding the release of records to ensure compliance.
CHARTERING A NEW COURSE?: At a press conference, Mamdani discussed the potential future of the Charter Revision Commission established by former Mayor Eric Adams. The commission, which recently held its first public meeting, is tasked with proposing ballot measures, including one for an open primary election system. Mamdani expressed that his administration is considering various options concerning the commission, though specifics were not provided.
Mamdani, who has criticized the commission as undemocratic, may have several strategies to influence its operations. Charter experts suggest appointing a chair to slow proceedings as one possible approach. Randy Mastro, an advisor to the commission, noted he has not received any assurances from Mamdani’s administration regarding the commission’s trajectory.
Mastro downplayed the potential impact of a Mamdani-appointed chair, emphasizing a collaborative process aimed at enhancing local democracy.
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
PRIMARY COLORS: Taylor Darling has ended her primary campaign against Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in New York’s 4th Congressional District. Darling cited systemic challenges that make it difficult for community-focused campaigns to engage fully in the democratic process.
Despite Darling’s efforts, Gillen, with substantial financial resources, posed a significant challenge. Darling entered the race following Gillen’s vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security but struggled to match Gillen’s fundraising prowess. Another candidate, Kiana Bierria-Anderson, remains in the race, though her ballot petitions face challenges.
IN OTHER NEWS
— WATCHDOG BARKS: The Citizens Budget Commission is urging lawmakers to manage government spending and avoid tax increases amidst a report highlighting a population decline in New York City. (Gothamist)
— POLLUTERS PAY: Congressional Republicans are seeking to repeal New York’s climate law that holds fossil fuel companies accountable for climate-related damages. (Newsday)
— THAT STINKS: As New York expands state-funded daycare, schools are navigating new mandates on potty training and diaper changes, leading to policy adjustments. (New York Post)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
