Updated at 10:02 p.m.

As early voting results are starting to be reported, Democrat Blake Gendebien of Lisbon is leading Republican Anthony Constantino, CEO of Amsterdam-based Sticker Mule, in New York’s 21st Congressional District.

According to unofficial election results, Gendebien has so far received 53,723  votes, or 56%, while Constantino received 41,592 votes..  

The early results primarily represent ballots cast during early voting and mail-in ballots received through Monday in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Herkimer, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren, Washington, Oneida and Montgomery counties. The results are unofficial and do not include absentee or mailed in ballots received after Monday.

The race for the seat currently held by Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik became one of the most closely watched congressional contests in New York, with national party organizations pouring resources into the district.

The campaign has been defined by sharp personal attacks, disputes over campaign finances, environmental allegations involving Gendebien’s dairy farm and divisions within the Republican Party.

Gendebien entered the general election as a relatively low-profile candidate in a district long considered a Republican stronghold.

Constantino, meanwhile, campaigned as a political outsider and received Pres. Donald Trump’s endorsement after defeating Republican state Assemblyman Robert Smullen in a contentious primary.

Constantino’s campaign was marked by confrontations with party officials, including an incident in which he was removed from a St. Lawrence County Republican gathering following a verbal dispute with Smullen.

The 21st Congressional District includes all or part of 15 counties including St. Lawrence, spanning from Fort Drum to Plattsburgh to Glens Falls and Rome.