Former Long Island Congressman George Santos, who has faced significant backlash, is calling for Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa to come together in a “coalition.” He expressed that he would leave New York City if Zoran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, becomes mayor.
“Unfortunately, my family and I would have to leave the city we’ve always known. Electing Mamdani would make New York City quite dangerous, and I’m not willing to take that risk as I focus on my family,” Santos shared on X Tuesday.
Recent surveys from Gotham Polling and City AARP show Mamdani holding a notable lead over both Cuomo and Sliwa, the independent and Republican candidates respectively.
Santos, who is 37, hasn’t endorsed a specific candidate. Instead, he’s joined several Republicans urging Sliwa to withdraw and collaborate with Cuomo for the good of the city, just two weeks before the general election begins.
“I hope that God opens Curtis Sliwa’s heart and gives him the strength and humility to step back and partner with Cuomo to save New York City from the threats of Marxism and Sharia,” he commented on X later in the day.
He added, “Andrew Cuomo, please invite Curtis into your partnership and form a coalition for New York City. We need to put our personal needs aside for the greater good.”
However, a resolute Sliwa dismissed calls to drop out of the race. “I will not withdraw under any circumstances,” he stated at a press conference on the Upper West Side, mentioning that he turned down a substantial salary to continue his campaign.
“I had an offer to exit the race, but I said ‘no’,” he revealed.
Criticizing the influence of wealthy donors, Sliwa insisted he rejected a $10 million “bribe” that would have required him to leave the race.
“Billionaires were mistaken every step of the way,” he remarked to reporters.
Santos’ remarks about the New York mayoral contest came shortly after President Trump commuted his 87-month sentence for wire fraud and identity theft. Trump cited “horrific” abuses by the Bureau of Prisons as a reason for the commutation.
On Truth Social, Trump described Santos as a “thug” but mentioned that many others deserving of leniency exist in the country.
Follow the coverage of the New York mayoral race
Santos served only 84 days of his seven-year sentence at a facility in New Jersey, getting released around 11 p.m. in an unmarked vehicle.
On social media, he expressed gratitude to Trump, calling it a second chance at life. He has also started taking requests on Cameo, offering personalized messages to subscribers.
Santos made his first Cameo appearance shortly after his release, wishing a happy birthday to a former Trump staffer.
“George Santos, you just got out of jail,” he joked before completing the birthday message.
He didn’t clarify what would happen to Mamdani if he wins in November.
