Republican Leader Seeks to Remove Curtis Sliwa from NYC Mayoral Race

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is facing significant pressure to withdraw from the New York City mayoral race. This call comes from John Catsimatidis, the prominent supermarket owner and Sliwa’s employer. Catsimatidis publicly urged Sliwa to exit the race, suggesting that his commitment to New York should outweigh his ambitions.

Catsimatidis’ Call for Withdrawal

During a broadcast on WABC-AM, which Catsimatidis owns, he stated, “Curtis has to realize that he should love New York more than anything else.” His comments are part of a broader strategy among some Republicans to consolidate support behind Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate.

Strategic Alliances and Challenges

• Cuomo has gained backing from several Republicans to block the Democratic nominee, Zohran Mamdani.
• Cuomo and his supporters encouraged Sliwa to step aside, claiming it would unify opposition to Mamdani.

Sliwa, known for his long tenure at WABC and as the founder of the Guardian Angels, is currently on leave from his radio show to focus on his mayoral campaign. Despite external pressures, he seems determined to continue his candidacy, especially after a strong debate performance.

Sliwa’s Response to Criticism

In a recent interview, Sliwa addressed Cuomo’s insistence for him to withdraw. He affirmed that he represents a significant segment of the voting population and that billionaire influence should not dictate election outcomes. “This is called voting,” he exclaimed, “Since when do we not let people vote?”

Candidates and Polling

• Sliwa is currently positioned third in polling, trailing behind both Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani.
• Cuomo has tried to shape himself as a moderate alternative to Mamdani, frequently criticizing Sliwa’s viability as a candidate.

The political landscape has become increasingly complex, with Mamdani’s supporters occasionally aligning with Sliwa’s message. In a lighthearted exchange, Mamdani dismissed talks of collusion between him and Sliwa, emphasizing that the decision lies with the voters, not wealthy donors.

Conclusion

With significant figures like Catsimatidis and Trump weighing in, the dynamics of the New York City mayoral race remain fluid. Sliwa’s commitment to his campaign, alongside his supporters, suggests a continuing battle for the Republican perspective in an increasingly competitive election.