Curtis Sliwa Resigns from WABC Amid Calls to Exit NYC Mayoral Race: A Detailed Overview

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Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee for Mayor of New York City, made headlines with his unexpected resignation from WABC after nearly 25 years as a radio host. This bold move follows a heated on-air discussion where prominent figures urged him to withdraw from the mayoral race.

On-Air Tensions and Resignation

During a recent broadcast, the tension escalated as WABC owner John Catsimatidis and radio host Sid Rosenberg publicly urged Sliwa to step aside for larger political interests.

• Curtis Sliwa’s Declaration: “You will never see me in the studio of WABC ever again. Never. No matter how this election turns out.”

• Calls for Resignation: Catsimatidis expressed that it would be in the best interest of New York City for Sliwa to drop out. He stated, “Curtis should pull out right now… People will be proud of him that he did the right thing for New York City.”

Pressure from Influential Figures

Sliwa has reported experiencing pressure from high-profile individuals to bow out of the race, including allegations of bribery from billionaires.

Key Points:

• Background of Influence: John Catsimatidis, a billionaire and former mayoral candidate himself, has significant sway within the Republican Party.
• Political Dynamics: Catsimatidis emphasized the need to consolidate the vote against democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, stating, “We cannot take a chance on Zohran winning.”

Sliwa’s Response and Accusations

In light of the pressure, Sliwa took to social media to express his feelings of betrayal.

• Personal Grievances: He described the station’s support for Cuomo, saying WABC stood for “Always Broadcast Cuomo,” criticizing the bias he perceives in the station’s programming.

• Defiance Against Accusations: Sliwa rejected claims that his candidacy is selfish, asserting, “They have been saying I’m selfish — are you out of your mind?”

Current Polling Landscape

As the mayoral election approaches, the dynamics of the race are becoming clearer.

Polling Insights:

• Polling Positions: Recent polls show Mamdani holding a double-digit lead over Cuomo, with Sliwa trailing in third place at less than 20 percent.

• Potential Implications: A specific poll indicated that if Sliwa were to withdraw, Cuomo could be within the margin of error in a two-way race against Mamdani, though it did not reflect the current political climate shaped by new voter mobilization efforts.

Support from GOP Leadership

Despite ongoing pressures, Sliwa retains the backing of key Republican figures.

Republican Position:

• GOP Stance: New York’s county chairs have expressed their solidarity with Sliwa, calling out Cuomo’s characterization of Sliwa as a “spoiler.”

• Bronx GOP Chairman Mike Rendino: He highlighted the challenges of rallying support for Cuomo, stating, “Our bottom base of 20 percent is never voting for Andrew Cuomo.”

Election Timeline

As early voting begins and with the final mayoral debate on the horizon, Sliwa’s situation continues to unfold.

• Key Dates: Early voting starts soon, and the ultimate debate may influence undecided voters heading into the election.

Conclusion

Curtis Sliwa’s resignation from WABC marks a significant chapter in the New York City mayoral race, showcasing the intense pressure from both media and political heavyweights. As the election draws near, the dynamics between Sliwa, Cuomo, and Mamdani will be crucial to watch. With early voting on the way, all eyes will be on how these developments shape voter sentiment in the coming weeks.

For detailed coverage of the New York City mayoral race, consider visiting reliable sources such as Politico and The New York Times.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive view of the current political landscape surrounding Curtis Sliwa, blending key insights with engaging content while catering to SEO best practices.