Trump-backed challenger beats establishment GOP candidate in primary to replace Stefanik

Anthony Constantino, a Trump-backed businessman and political newcomer, beat a more traditional Republican candidate in Tuesday's GOP primary to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York's 21st Congressional District, CBS News projects. Constantino defeated Robert Smullen, a state assemblymember who had the support of the state Republican Party and other local GOP officials. Stefanik did not endorse in the race. The primary to represent the upstate New York district, which stretches from the Canadian border to straddling the northern Albany suburbs, became increasingly bitter as Constantino and Smullen threatened legal action against each other over claims made during the campaign. After a May debate, Smullen refused to shake his opponent's hand. Potentially complicating the GOP's hold on the seat is the Conservative Party's backing of Smullen. With the Conservative Party's nomination, Smullen had already secured a spot on the November ballot. It's unclear whether he plans to drop out. After the assassination attempt against President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024, Constantino put up a massive "Vote for Trump" sign atop his sticker company headquarters. Mr. Trump referenced the sign in his endorsement of Constantino. "Anthony has been such a Great Supporter that he actually put up a somewhat 'controversial' sign, against strong opposition, in my honor. The sign is still there!" Mr. …