BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

North Country voters will have to decide between Democrat Blake Gendebien of Lisbon and Republican Anthony Constantino in the race to replace outgoing Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in November.

Both Gendebien and Constantino claimed resounding primary victories June 23, with NBC News calling both races with roughly 40% of the votes still to be tallied.

As of press time, Constantino was up with nearly 60% of the vote.

Gendebien secured victory with more than 65% of the vote, as of press time. 

Gendebien’s victory comes as little surprise to insiders after having campaigned for more than 18 months.

“Tonight, Northern New Yorkers made their voices heard, and I am honored and humbled to earn their support,” Gendebien said in a release. 

“Over the last 18 months, this campaign has traveled to every corner of this district, listening to families, farmers, veterans, workers, seniors, and small business owners who feel like Washington has forgotten them. Together, we built a campaign focused on lowering costs, protecting rural healthcare, securing our border, and delivering real results for the people of the North Country,” he continued. 

Gendebien first announced his candidacy in 2025 after Stefanik was first nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

She eventually returned to Congress due to Republicans’ slim voting margins. 

In the case of Constantino, his victory is a rebuke of 12 county party chairs who declined to endorse him earlier this year, including open conflict during the St. Lawrence County caucus that saw him removed by Sheriff Rick Engle. 

Despite not receiving their endorsements, President Donald Trump backed the political newcomer who has been a firebrand since first announcing his campaign.

His victory was celebrated by Stefanik on social media. 

“Since I know this district and these numbers like the back of my hand…Congratulations to Anthony Constantino on his overwhelming victory in today’s #NY21 Republican primary!” she wrote. 

“This was a hard fought election and the voters have spoken loudly and clearly. In the coming months, I know Anthony will continue to work hard to earn your support. He will put the people first and will be a strong Representative in Washington for the incredible hardworking families in our great district,” Stefanik said.

In other action, New York State Comptroller and Democrat Thomas DiNapoli shrugged off challengers Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle with more than 77% of the vote. 

District 5 Legislator Harry Smithers lost his primary bid against newcomer Troy Besaw by a margin of 179-151. 

Republican Crystal Briggs beat Jessica Hance 12-8 in the Republican primary for town of Clare clerk, while Paul Brent Johnson Jr. won the Repbulican primary for town of Fowler Highway Superintendent. 

Ray Roberts won the Republican primary to run for a two-year unexpired term on the town council in Rossie, while Robert Briggs  and Crystal Briggs won seats on the County Committee.