In the recent New York City mayoral race, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa has firmly resisted any suggestions that he might withdraw from the election. He criticized incumbent Eric Adams for creating an environment where socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani has gained traction. A report from the New York Post indicated that influential donors are contemplating ways to persuade Sliwa to step aside, possibly to facilitate a run for Adams or former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who recently lost in the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Nevertheless, Sliwa, a dedicated New Yorker known for founding the Guardian Angels crime prevention group, emphasized his commitment to the race, insisting that he is the best candidate for the job.
Sliwa, who has battled personal and professional adversities, including a near-fatal attack by organized crime in 1992, believes his life experiences uniquely qualify him to lead New York City. At 71, he is passionate about the city’s safety and insists that he is in this race for the long haul. He declared that he would only exit the campaign “in a coffin,” reflecting his deep dedication. Sliwa contends that he is the only candidate with genuine connection to the city, contrasting himself with Adams, Mamdani, and Cuomo, who he claims do not resonate with the everyday experiences of New Yorkers. His close ties to the subway system, which he metaphorically describes as “the veins and arteries” of the city, bolster his argument about being in touch with the residents.
Despite political analysts deeming Sliwa’s chances of winning as slim—especially after his significant defeat to Adams in the 2021 election—he sees potential in the current climate. With voter division likely between more moderate Democratic candidates and left-leaning ones like Mamdani, Sliwa remains optimistic that former Democratic voters disillusioned by his opponents could pivot towards him. He claims that Adams’s lackluster performance as mayor has contributed to the current political landscape, noting the rise of Mamdani as a direct consequence of Adams’s failures.
Sliwa has vocally opposed Mamdani’s proposed socialist policies, citing their fiscal impracticality and potential to mirror Chicago’s unsuccessful governance under a similar framework. The Republican candidate aims to tap into voter frustrations with rising living costs by promoting solutions centered on public safety and housing affordability. His campaign slogan, “improve, don’t move,” seeks to resonate with those contemplating leaving New York for greener pastures. Additionally, Sliwa’s commitment to a no-kill policy for animal shelters aligns him with moderate Democrats and animal welfare advocates, thus widening his appeal.
While Mamdani boasts a strong social media presence that far exceeds Sliwa’s, the latter emphasizes personal interaction and grassroots campaigning as vital to his strategy. Sliwa argues that meaningful connections within the community are far more impactful than social media influence. He acknowledges that younger generations have often been misjudged by older voters and asserts that he is well-equipped to engage them because of his long history of youth outreach through the Guardian Angels.
Lastly, Sliwa remains open to an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, which could significantly shift the political dynamics in his favor. He acknowledges a complicated relationship with Trump, while expressing an understanding of the former president’s broader concerns. With newfound access to campaign resources following his uncontested nomination, Sliwa emphasizes the importance of being visible on the streets of New York, particularly in the subway—where he believes real connections with voters can be forged. He contrasts his hands-on approach with that of other candidates, reinforcing his message that being actively engaged in the community is essential for a successful campaign.
