Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino plans to donate $174,000, equivalent to one year’s congressional salary, to the family of wounded Iraq War veteran Sgt. Eddie Ryan. This pledge stands regardless of whether he wins in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule, made the commitment on June 10 during a Queensbury, New York campaign event. He gave Ryan’s family a handwritten note guaranteeing the donation, as reported by The Daily Gazette.
“I planned to give away my entire congressional salary from day one,” Constantino told Fox News Digital. “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.”
Constantino expressed a desire for the gesture to motivate others to support veterans. Ryan, a former Marine Corps sniper, suffered severe injuries in Iraq in 2005, including a traumatic brain injury. Despite challenges with mobility and speech, he remains a symbol of resilience.
Constantino first met Ryan outside a Warren County Republican Committee meeting, where their brief exchange left a strong impression.
Ryan and his family attended the Queensbury event, and he was deeply moved by the announcement. “I’m still floored,” Ryan said.
The Republican primary on June 23 will see Constantino compete against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik. Constantino has invested significantly in his campaign, framing the contest as a battle against political norms.
He emphasizes the need to “create a better future for America” and leverages resources to address systemic issues within Washington.
President Donald Trump endorsed Constantino following a high-profile pro-Trump sign dispute. “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Anthony Constantino,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in April.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report. Sophia Compton, a Fox News Digital writer, can be reached for story tips.
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