Republican Congressional candidate Anthony Constantino, supported by Trump, stated during his primary campaign for New York's 21st Congressional District that regardless of whether he wins the election, he will donate his $174,000 annual Congressional salary to the family of wounded Iraq war veteran Eddie Ryan.
Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule, announced this pledge at a campaign event on June 10 in Queensbury, New York, and presented a handwritten note to the Ryan family.
Promise made at campaign event
Constantino explained that he planned to donate his entire Congressional salary from the start and immediately chose the Eddie Ryan family from options presented by his team. He said Ryan inspired him to fight harder early in the race.
Constantino also expressed that this step carries a symbolic message encouraging more wealthy Americans to support veteran families.
It was noted that Eddie Ryan was severely wounded by friendly fire in Iraq in 2005, shot twice in the head, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and experiences permanent movement and speech difficulties.
Brief meeting with the Ryan family
Constantino said he had a brief meeting with Ryan and his family earlier this year outside a Warren County Republican Committee meeting. The encounter lasted less than a minute but left a lasting impression on him.
He described Ryan as an example of someone who remains positive despite challenges and maintains his love for America. Despite his severe war injuries, Ryan reportedly said he would still do the same today with a smile.
Ryan was surprised
It was reported that Eddie Ryan was greatly surprised when the donation pledge was announced. After the announcement, Ryan said, "I'm still very surprised."
Constantino is competing against New York State Assembly member Robert Smullen in the Republican primary on June 23. The race is to fill the seat of Representative Elise Stefanik.
Millions spent from personal funds
It was noted that Constantino has spent millions of dollars of his own money on the campaign and frames the race as a fight against the political establishment. He said after seeing the "swamp" in Washington firsthand, he felt he had no choice but to use his resources for a better future.
In April, Trump expressed his support for Constantino via Truth Social, praising him as an "America First" candidate to represent New York's 21st Congressional District.
