Candidate Vows to Donate Entire Congressional Salary to Veteran’s Family
Anthony Constantino, a Republican congressional candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has publicly pledged to donate his entire first-year congressional salary, totaling $174,000, to the family of Sgt. Eddie Ryan. This commitment stands regardless of the election outcome in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
Constantino, who also serves as the CEO of Sticker Mule, announced this significant pledge on June 10 during a campaign event held in Queensbury, New York. He presented Sgt. Ryan’s family with a handwritten note detailing the promise of the donation. This gesture aims to provide substantial support to the veteran and his loved ones.
“I planned to give away my entire congressional salary from day one,” Constantino stated. “My team presented a few options, and I immediately thought of Sgt. Eddie Ryan because he inspired me to fight harder early in this race.”
Symbolic Gesture for Veterans and National Improvement
Constantino elaborated on his motivations, expressing a desire for his pledge to serve as a symbolic act. “I want this to become a symbolic gesture that encourages more Americans to fight, fight, fight for a better future while simultaneously inspiring other people of means to support our great Veterans,” he explained.
Sgt. Eddie Ryan, a former U.S. Marine Corps sniper, sustained severe injuries during an incident of friendly fire in Iraq in 2005. The veteran suffered two gunshot wounds to the head, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and ongoing challenges with mobility and speech.
Constantino recounted first meeting Sgt. Ryan and his family earlier this year, an encounter that left a profound impression despite its brevity. “Sgt. Ryan is a role model for loving America and staying positive in the face of adversity. He was severely wounded in combat and proudly says he would do it again with a big smile,” Constantino remarked.
Veteran’s Reaction and Primary Contest
The announcement clearly surprised Sgt. Ryan, who described himself as “still floored” by the pledge.
Constantino is currently engaged in a primary contest against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen for the Republican nomination to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District. The primary election is scheduled for June 23. Constantino has invested a considerable amount of his personal wealth into his campaign, framing the race as a challenge to the established political order.
“It’s an opportunity to move the country in a positive direction in a big way,” Constantino said. “Once I saw first hand how bad the swamp that President Trump talks about so much really is, I felt I had no choice but to use my resources to fight it to create a better future for America.”
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Constantino, highlighting his “America First” stance. Constantino had previously been involved in a public dispute to keep a large pro-Trump sign displayed at his factory.
