On November 5th, Curtis Sliwa reflects on the possibility of Zohran Mamdani becoming the new mayor of New York. Does he have any regrets?
“No,” responds the Republican candidate.
But is he really going to risk his own candidacy to protect his city from socialism?
“It’s the notion that everyone votes for Cuomo and participates. That’s not happening. They despise Cuomo. I’m on the streets daily. He’s never admitted his faults,” Sliwa stated, referencing Andrew Cuomo amid the #MeToo controversy.
Currently, a new AARP poll indicates Mamdani holds 42% support among registered voters. Cuomo stands at 23%, Adams, an independent, at 9%, while Sliwa trails with 16%. It might seem they would need to unify to challenge Democratic socialists.
Yet, Sliwa dismisses the likelihood of that unity.
“No one is stepping up. Cuomo isn’t interested. Adams isn’t. Every day there’s discussion about dropouts. It’s a favorable time for the actions,” Sliwa remarked.
I met Sliwa at his Midtown campaign headquarters. A recognizable figure since the inception of The Guardian Angels in the late 1970s, he seems less known now.
The truth is, I find a lot of resonance in what Sliwa says, particularly his approach to quality of life issues.
He advocates for tax reductions, abolishing tolls, and addressing expensive fare evasion issues.
“I chuckle when Mamdani mentions ‘free bus fare’ and everyone freaks out. I pointed out that Adams and Cuomo haven’t delivered that. We require a policy that isn’t permissive.”
Can I get an amen for that?
Much like Mamdani, Sliwa emphasizes affordability, especially for young New Yorkers struggling to fulfill the American dream. Many in their 30s are still living with multiple roommates.
Unlike the appealing practices of some socialists, Republicans tend to lack a diverse array of policy solutions.
Still, in this crowded field, I find it hard to believe Sliwa can beat Mamdani and his divisive ideology.
Yet he genuinely believes he stands a strong chance. “I actually have a solid opportunity.”
In the 2021 race, during the peak of Covid, Sliwa competed against Eric Adams and garnered only 27.8% of the vote.
“I think I can secure about 28%,” Sliwa shared.
Currently, his campaign is focusing on early voting, aiming to engage Millennials and Gen Z voters who aren’t enthralled with Mamdani’s promises of free offerings, and reaching out to Muslim constituents.
Mamdani leans much further left than many Muslims in New York City. Nonetheless, Sliwa argues that some conservative Muslims are turned off by cultural assaults from right-wing politicians. Recently, a Georgia representative circulated a meme depicting the Statue of Liberty draped in a burqa.
Because of these kinds of remarks, Sliwa feels some people feel compelled to back the socialists.
Still, he says, “All halal vendors, all Uber drivers are capitalists. I’m working to gain their support.”
Sliwa criticizes Adams and his alleged cronyism while addressing Mamdani’s rise. As for Cuomo, Sliwa mentioned, “He told a Hamptons group he’d relocate to Florida if he lost. It’s like he’s giving up.”
Despite rumors, Sliwa says President Trump hasn’t pressured him to exit the race.
In his campaign appearances, Sliwa has started to remove his signature red beret.
He added, “I think the President has bigger issues to tackle, like peace in Ukraine, and if only he could resolve what’s happening in Gaza.”
Summarizing our discussion, Sliwa donned his hat and we made our way down Sixth Avenue. The red beret stands out and draws attention. A man approaches for a selfie, while a group of laborers waves him over from a lunch line.
A well-dressed woman in her 50s hails him, and a man in a black SUV, speaking with a heavy accent, expresses excitement, “Curtis, I’ve always wanted to meet you!”
A local plumber, who grew up on Staten Island, joined in, saying, “I’ll vote for Sliwa…” but he and his colleagues had left the city for the suburbs during Covid because they found it too dirty, too crime-ridden, and too costly.
This sentiment echoes frequently.
Sliwa is determined to revive the city.
