Curtis Sliwa: The People’s Mayor as NYC Race Heats Up
In the dynamic landscape of the New York City mayoral race, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has captured attention with bold statements and a strategic campaign aimed at a surprising victory. Often dubbed a "creep" by his opponents, Sliwa has recently taken aim at former Governor Andrew Cuomo, saying, “Andrew Cuomo is a creep, slapping fannies and killing grannies,” during an appearance on Fox News.
Polls Show Possibility for Sliwa
A HarrisX poll released this week offers a glimmer of hope for Sliwa, revealing him in a statistical tie with Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, while current Mayor Eric Adams trails at just 13%. With 15% of voters still undecided, this gives Sliwa a chance to solidify his position.
Recent Polling Trends
- Sliwa’s Range: Polls indicate that support for Sliwa varies widely, from 7% to 22%.
- Democratic Opposition: Despite the public turmoil within the Democratic ranks, the popularity of Mamdani, a self-declared socialist, has given Sliwa additional motivation.
Sliwa is unwavering in his campaign demeanor, dismissing calls from party members urging him to withdraw to create space for a moderate candidate. “There is no price or anything that could be offered that would get me to jump out of the race,” Sliwa emphasized in an interview with The New York Sun.
Sliwa’s Strategy for Winning
Key Issues
Sliwa is tackling issues that resonate with everyday New Yorkers, focusing primarily on:
- Crime and Public Safety: Vowing to hire 7,000 police officers.
- Subway Safety: Highlighting recent tragedies, such as the death of a homeless woman, to raise awareness about safety in public transportation.
Sliwa believes that the crowded field in the general election could play to his advantage, predicting he might secure around 32% of the vote to win with a plurality.
Connecting with Voters
A seasoned radio host, Sliwa is also adept at leveraging his platform for engagement. His charismatic presence, combined with a strong social media strategy, has led to viral moments that amplify his campaign messages.
Unique Attributes
- Background: A native of Brooklyn, Sliwa is well-known for his red beret and as the founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime prevention group.
- Animal Advocacy: His campaign includes a unique platform named "Protect Animals," focusing on:
- Safeguarding bodega cats.
- Prosecution of animal abusers.
- Banning kill shelters in the city.
Sliwa positions himself not only as a Republican candidate but as the voice of the working class, proclaiming himself the “People’s Mayor.”
Sliwa vs. The Establishment
Despite his grassroots approach, he faces pushback from established interests, including calls from backers like billionaire John Catsimatidis, asking him to step aside for a stronger candidate. Many business leaders argue that Sliwa lacks the executive experience needed to lead New York City—a concern echoed by Brooklyn Republican Party Chairman Richie Barsamian: “We stand behind Curtis.”
The Landscape Ahead
With the Democratic primary concluded, Sliwa, who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, is suddenly under the spotlight. The unexpected rise of Mamdani and the split in the Democratic vote has left many stakeholders reconsidering their strategies for the November election.
Business leaders are fearful of a potential Mayor Mamdani, leading to the “ABZ” strategy: “Anyone But Zohran.” As Sliwa commented, “The rich and the wealthy who put all their chips on Andrew Cuomo are upset. They thought Cuomo would have a coronation.”
In a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans more than five-to-one, Sliwa’s fight seems uphill. Yet, his defiance might be just what he needs to rally support among those tired of the political status quo. As he boldly asserts, “How about giving the good person a try?”
Conclusion
Curtis Sliwa’s campaign is gaining traction as the mayoral race unfolds in New York City. With a focus on crime, safety, and community connection, he aims to establish himself as a formidable contender against the backdrop of shifting political tides. As the November election approaches, all eyes will be on whether the “People’s Mayor” can indeed turn his ambitious vision into reality.
For more on the latest political developments, check out coverage on CNN Politics and The New York Times.
