FRANKFORT, NY – New York State Assemblyman Robert Smullen, a six-year veteran of the state legislature and a 24-year Marine Corps veteran, has announced he would consider running for the 21st Congressional District seat if it becomes vacant.
In an interview conducted during Herkimer County Senior Citizen’s Picnic, Smullen outlined his qualifications and vision for representing the sprawling district, which covers 15 counties in New York’s North Country and Mohawk Valley.
“I think I’ve got a lot to offer the people as the representative,” Smullen said, citing his extensive experience in public service and military leadership. “Right now, I take our voice and our values to Albany. I think I could do the same thing at a higher level.”
Smullen highlighted key issues driving his potential candidacy, including economic development, fiscal responsibility, and protecting constitutional rights. He emphasized the need for job creation in the 21st Congressional District, particularly in the Mohawk Valley, where he sees opportunities in advanced manufacturing and supply chains tied to chip fabrication facilities between Saratoga and Syracuse.
“The current policies give us a chance to bring some industry, some jobs back to the upstate area,” he said, noting the region’s infrastructure and skilled workforce as key assets.
A vocal critic of excessive government spending, Smullen pointed to the state’s $254 billion budget, which he voted against, as an example of fiscal irresponsibility. “It’s money that we don’t have spent on things that we don’t need,” he said.
He expressed similar concerns about the federal deficit, advocating for efficient spending while prioritizing national defense and border security to curb issues like fentanyl trafficking.
Smullen also addressed local concerns, particularly the state’s electric school bus mandate, which he opposes due to its high costs—buses priced at $200,000 to $400,000—and impracticality for rural districts.
“Not a single school district thinks this is a great idea,” he said, arguing that the mandate diverts funds from education to an unproven system.
Comparing state and federal roles, Smullen noted that while the legislative process is similar, the scale and scope differ. Issues like taxes, regulation, and Second Amendment rights remain central at both levels, but federal service would allow him to tackle national challenges like economic policy and defense with broader impact.
Smullen’s potential run comes as he continues to champion the Mohawk Valley’s economic potential, from shovel-ready sites for manufacturing to community colleges training workers for high-tech industries. “We have all the ingredients,” he said, citing the region’s infrastructure and talent pool.
He stressed the importance of promoting the area “all day, every day on every channel” to attract investment and opportunity.
As the 21st Congressional District awaits future developments, Smullen’s blend of military discipline, legislative experience, and focus on upstate priorities positions him as a formidable contender for higher office.
For now, he remains committed to his assembly role, fighting for the values and economic vitality of his district.
This story is based on an interview conducted on June 18, 2025.