GOP Business Leaders Pressure Curtis Sliwa to Withdraw from NYC Mayoral Race

Tensions Rise Among New York Republicans

In a dramatic turn of events, influential business figures in New York City are reportedly considering withholding donations from the New York Republican Party unless mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa steps aside in the upcoming election. This alarming move is fueled by concerns over the potential victory of 33-year-old state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.

Business Leaders Weigh In

• Arcadio Casillas, former New York GOP finance chairman, expressed the sentiments of the business community, stating:
  “They’re really considering not supporting the state party. Would you invest in something that you feel you’re not going to get a return on?”

John Catsimatidis, a significant figure in the Republican Party and Sliwa’s employer at WABC radio, urged Sliwa to bow out. He argued that doing so would enhance Governor Andrew Cuomo’s prospects in the race. Catsimatidis stated on his radio show, “Curtis should pull out right now. People will be proud of him for doing the right thing for New York City.”

Sliwa Stands Firm

Despite mounting pressure, Sliwa remains resolute, declaring, “Let’s be very clear: I am not dropping out. Under no circumstance.” He emphasized that he has turned down financial offers to exit the race, stating, “I said no.”

In a pointed retort, Sliwa criticized hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, who similarly urged him to withdraw, labeling him “a jerk” and highlighting his detachment from urban issues. “He lives in Chappaqua, the whitest suburb of America, where even the lawn jockeys are white,” Sliwa added, underlining the growing divide between the political elite and grassroots candidates.

The Stakes of the Election

With only two weeks remaining until Election Day and early voting commencing Saturday, tensions surrounding the race are palpable. Polls indicate that Mr. Mamdani is leading by double digits in a city where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans six-to-one. Mamdani’s radical proposals and Cuomo’s independent run add further unpredictability to the election.

Moderate Democrats, independents, and some Republican leaders are advocating for a two-person race to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote. Many have pushed for Sliwa to step down, believing it’s the only way to counter Mamdani’s apparent momentum.

Polls and Predictions

Recent polling shows:

• If Sliwa remains in the race, Mamdani is projected to win by 14 points.
• A hypothetical matchup without Sliwa shows Cuomo trailing Mamdani by only 3.9 points, within the margin of error.

However, analysts caution that the polling data from Gotham Polling/AARP may not accurately reflect voter enthusiasm. Mamdani’s support base has proven more committed than Cuomo’s, raising doubts about how Sliwa’s supporters would vote.

Business Support and Strategy Gaps

Prominent business leaders have recently poured over $3 million into super PACs aimed at assisting Cuomo’s campaign. Yet questions arise regarding the timing and effectiveness of these financial contributions, raising concerns over strategic miscalculations.

Political insiders suggest that prior opportunities to influence the narrative around Mamdani were missed. As one insider puts it, “They should have put their money where their mouth is earlier.”

The GOP’s Internal Divide

GOP leaders are divided over their allegiance to Sliwa or Cuomo. The five county chairpersons of the New York Republican Party released a joint statement affirming their support for Sliwa and criticized the push for him to withdraw, insisting, “Republican voters are not going to vote for Andrew Cuomo.”

The Brooklyn Republican Party’s chairman echoed this sentiment, asserting, “Cuomo is the one who should drop out,” emphasizing the party’s commitment to a distinct Republican platform rather than reverting to Democratic control.

Mamdani’s Position

Amidst this internal struggle, Zohran Mamdani appears to thrive on the competition between Sliwa and Cuomo, remarking, “I never thought I would say this, but here we are, where the only candidates who agree that billionaires shouldn’t control the future of this city are the Republican nominee and the Democratic nominee.”

Conclusion

As the election nears, the situation remains fluid. With influential players weighing in and strategies shifting rapidly, New Yorkers await the outcome of this contentious mayoral race. The stakes have never been higher, and all eyes will be on how Sliwa’s presence could reshape the political landscape of the city.

For the latest updates on the NYC mayoral race, visit The New York Post and Gotham Polling.