You probably know the name. Sticker Mule. For a decade, they were just the "fast sticker guys." You’d order a batch of die-cut logos, get a free mule-themed hot sauce in the box, and that was the end of it. Then things got weird. Or, depending on who you ask, they got honest.
Anthony Constantino, the co-founder and CEO, didn't just step into the spotlight; he basically set the stage on fire and started a one-man show.
The Email That Changed Everything
It happened on a Sunday in July 2024. Just after the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Most CEOs were busy drafting "thoughts and prayers" statements approved by three different PR firms. Constantino took a different route.
He sent a mass email to millions of Sticker Mule customers. The subject line? "Trump 2024."
The body of the email wasn't just a political endorsement. It was a call to action against "political hate." He claimed people were "terrified" to admit they supported Trump and that the "hate needs to stop."
He also offered a deal on T-shirts. $4.
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The backlash was instant. People on social media vowed to never buy another sticker again. They posted screenshots of them unsubscribing. It was a digital riot. But Constantino didn't flinch. In fact, he doubled down.
The 100-Foot Sign and the Courtroom
If you drive through Amsterdam, New York, you can't miss it. Or you couldn't, for a while. Constantino decided to put a massive, 100-foot-wide "Vote for Trump" sign on top of the old Fownes glove factory.
The city of Amsterdam wasn't thrilled. They sued. The mayor claimed it was a "dangerous distraction" for drivers on the New York State Thruway.
Constantino framed it as a battle for free speech. He held a massive lighting ceremony in October 2024. UFC star Henry Cejudo showed up. Thousands of people stood in the cold to watch a sign turn on.
A judge eventually lifted the injunction against the sign, calling it a win for the First Amendment. It was a moment that transformed Constantino from a "sticker guy" into a local political folk hero for some and a pariah for others.
Anthony Constantino Sticker Mule: Why He’s Running for Congress
By late 2025, the rumors turned into a formal campaign. Anthony Constantino is now running for New York’s 21st Congressional District. He’s looking to fill the seat vacated by Elise Stefanik, who shifted her sights toward the Governor's office.
He isn't running a traditional campaign. Honestly, it’s a spectacle.
The Turkey Wall and the Rap Album
His campaign kickoff in late 2025 featured:
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- A wall of 2,000 frozen turkeys (which he gave away).
- A live performance of his own original music.
- A collaboration with platinum producer Helluva on an album titled Thank You President Trump.
He’s putting his own money where his mouth is. He reportedly dumped $5 million of his own cash into the race. He says he wants to be free from "special interest influence."
His platform? It’s basically "Business Sense Meets MAGA." He talks about border security, slashing taxes, and bringing back manufacturing. He’s also quite vocal about his time living in Mexico and his professional boxing career there. He speaks fluent Spanish, which is a bit of a curveball for a Republican candidate in upstate New York.
The Controversy Over Manufacturing
It hasn't all been smooth sailing, though. Critics were quick to point out a perceived hypocrisy. While Constantino rails against the decline of American manufacturing, it was revealed that Sticker Mule’s T-shirts were being sourced from Nicaragua.
Social media erupted. Fashion critics and "Made in USA" advocates pounced. Constantino’s response was characteristically blunt. He basically told them to stay in their lane, defending his business decisions while maintaining his stance on national policy.
Is the Business Hurting?
This is the big question everyone asks. Did he kill Sticker Mule by being so political?
It’s hard to say without seeing the private tax returns. But here’s what we do know. He recently gave his employees $1,000 Christmas bonuses and $2,500 bonuses to support staff who had to handle the flood of angry emails.
He claims the company is doing fine. He argues that for every customer he lost, he gained three new ones who like his "no-nonsense" attitude.
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The data is mixed. While some long-time fans have definitely walked away, the brand now has a massive, loyal following within a very specific political demographic. He turned a commodity—stickers—into a cultural statement.
What Most People Get Wrong About Anthony Constantino
People want to put him in a box. They want him to be a "tech bro" or a "political grifter." He doesn't really fit either.
He’s a guy who loves boxing, rapping, and building his own machines. He doesn't use off-the-shelf software for his business; his team of 100 engineers builds their own ERP systems. He’s an outsider who actually knows how to build things.
He’s also deeply tied to the "furry" community through his platform's user base, which is an odd detail that shows he’s more than just a political talking point.
Actionable Insights for Business Owners
If you're watching the Anthony Constantino Sticker Mule saga from a business perspective, there are a few real-world takeaways:
- Polarization is a strategy: Being neutral is safe, but being loud creates a "tribe." Constantino proved that you can lose 30% of your audience and still thrive if the remaining 70% becomes twice as loyal.
- Direct communication is powerful: He bypassed PR and went straight to the inbox. It’s risky, but it creates an authentic (if polarizing) brand voice.
- The "CEO as a Candidate" model: We’re seeing more of this. Following the Elon Musk blueprint, Constantino is using his business success as a proof of concept for his political capability.
- Transparency vs. Consistency: If you’re going to be a "Manufacturing First" guy, your supply chain needs to be bulletproof. The Nicaragua T-shirt issue shows how quickly a brand can be dinged for a lack of alignment.
Whether you think he’s a hero for free speech or a CEO who overstepped, one thing is certain: he isn't going back to just selling stickers. The 2026 election cycle in New York is going to be a loud one.
Next Steps to Follow the Race
To stay updated on the NY-21 race and the business impact on Sticker Mule, you should monitor the Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings for the 2026 cycle. These will show exactly how much of his own money is going into the campaign and if the business's revenue is supporting the "self-funded" claim. Additionally, keep an eye on local Amsterdam, NY town hall records regarding the permanent status of the "Vote for Trump" sign, as it remains a litmus test for local zoning vs. political expression.