Curtis Sliwa Appeals for Donations in Mayoral Race
Perhaps he could use a new beret?
Curtis Sliwa has made a plea for donations as the critical fundraising deadline for New York’s mayoral race approaches. In a recent video, he criticized “elites” attempting to push him out of the race.
“The elites are trying to get rid of me and silence you, the hard-working people who make this city function,” the Republican candidate stated in a video shared on social media on Monday night.
“We will never surrender,” he emphasized in his post. “Tonight is the last fundraising deadline. Donate now.”
This call for support comes amidst growing pressure for Sliwa to withdraw from the race, a sentiment echoed by friend John Castimatidis from WABC radio.
Currently, Sliwa is trailing significantly, garnering only 19% of the vote according to recent polls. Andrew Cuomo leads with 29%, while Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani has an impressive 43% lead.
Those opposing Mamdani, including Castimatidis, believe Cuomo—campaigning as an independent—could have a solid chance against Mamdani in a head-to-head match. They’ve encouraged Sliwa to step back from the campaign.
Sliwa, however, previously dismissed the notion of withdrawing, firmly stating, “Unless they find a way to put me in a pine box and bury me six feet under, I’m not getting out of this race.”
The Guardian Angels founder currently holds more than $3.4 million in cash after raising over $1.3 million personally and receiving nearly $4.5 million in public funding through the city’s matching funds program.
Interestingly, should his campaign not succeed on November 4, Sliwa won’t be able to use leftover campaign funds for personal expenses, like, say, cat food. City’s campaign finance rules dictate that those funds can only cover unpaid campaign-related bills, and any excess public funds must be returned.
Cuomo also reportedly has about $3.4 million in cash, while Mamdani has just over $6 million remaining in his campaign fund with only two weeks to go.
In his donation appeal video, Sliwa, wearing his distinctive red beret, stands on a sidewalk with dramatic music playing in the background. He criticizes the “elites” for failing to recognize or assist the public.
Accompanying the video are black-and-white images of both Cuomo and Mamdani, with Sliwa declaring, “The old way was the worst way. But now they’re suddenly coming to you and asking for your vote.” He urges his supporters, “No, no, no. We will mobilize. We will take to the streets. You will volunteer to help me retake this city.”
He encouraged supporters to make their voices heard at the ballot box starting with early voting, set to begin on Saturday. All three candidates are scheduled to participate in their second and final debate on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Spectrum NY1.
