UPDATE: In a decisive move, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has confirmed he will not withdraw from the New York City mayoral race, despite mounting pressure from prominent conservatives, including John Catsimatidis. With just 15 days until Election Day, the stakes are higher than ever.
As the political landscape intensifies, Catsimatidis, a key Republican donor and owner of 77 WABC, publicly urged Sliwa to step aside, warning that a split vote could hand victory to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. “Curtis has to realize that he should love New York more than anything else,” Catsimatidis stated on air, emphasizing the urgency of consolidating support against Mamdani, who is favored in the polls.
In response, Sliwa received a significant boost when all five borough Republican Party chairmen rallied behind him, asserting their commitment to his candidacy. “Curtis Sliwa is our candidate, the credible leader who will defeat the radical left,” they declared in a joint statement, reinforcing their belief that Sliwa is crucial in restoring “safety, affordability, and common sense to City Hall.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has consistently trailed in polling, has been vocal about Sliwa’s candidacy. He labeled Sliwa as a “spoiler” and urged Republican voters to recognize the dire implications of a Mamdani win. “If this city becomes a Zohran Mamdani city, it’s going to be the death of the city as we know it,” Cuomo warned during a recent Fox News appearance.
“Curtis Sliwa is not an alternative. You vote for Curtis, you might as well vote for Zohran Mamdani directly,” Cuomo added, suggesting potential job offers for Sliwa in a Cuomo administration.
Despite the escalating pressure, Sliwa remains resolute. “Today’s news does not change anything,” said Daniel Kurzyna, spokesperson for Sliwa’s campaign. “The voters will decide.” In a passionate video message, Sliwa urged his supporters to stand firm against the elite push to silence them, declaring, “We will never surrender.” He plans to cast his ballot on the first day of early voting, which begins this Saturday.
The urgency of this election cannot be overstated. With the election clock ticking down, the political ramifications of Sliwa’s decision are profound. His supporters view him as a necessary alternative to Mamdani, who is perceived as a candidate advocating for socialist policies.
As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on Sliwa and the Republican Party’s strategy to unify their base against a formidable opponent. With the election just around the corner, the question remains: can Sliwa galvanize enough support to disrupt Mamdani’s momentum?
As developments unfold, voters across New York City are encouraged to engage in the electoral process and make their voices heard.
