Fundraising Event for Republican Candidate Curtis Sliwa
John Catsimatidis, a notable supporter of Mayor Eric Adams, organized an impromptu fundraiser in the Hamptons for Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. The event aimed to challenge leading socialist candidates by gathering support from influential business figures.
Sliwa was the guest of honor at Catsimatidis’s “Hamptons Business Power Breakfast,” a gathering of prominent New Yorkers, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, held on Saturday. “I appreciate everyone who invited me and allowed me to discuss my vision for New York City,” Sliwa mentioned during the event.
His campaign indicated that they raised over $21,000 from the East Long Island gathering.
“When movers and shakers join forces with everyday working-class New Yorkers, it’s a strong signal that we can defeat Zoran Mamdani and revitalize our city,” he said, referring to the Democratic candidate.
Catsimatidis expressed admiration for Sliwa’s efforts, noting that the event turned out to be a successful fundraising occasion for GOP candidates. “Curtis did exceptionally well. What started as a different intention ended with volunteers stepping up and contributing,” he remarked.
As Sliwa entered the venue, he initially attracted attention, though some attendees did not recognize him until he removed his distinctive red beret.
The fundraiser was co-hosted by Alex Karoutos, a Greek Orthodox priest honored with the President’s Medal of Honor in 2022.
Catsimatidis emphasized the need for business leaders and others to unite against Zoran Mamdani, who shocked many by defeating Cuomo in the Democratic primary last June. “Abz… Everyone is against Zohran Mamdani,” the supermarket mogul told the audience.
The Gristedes owner urged attendees to remember that “socialism does not function in our cities.” Mamdani is set to face off against Cuomo, Adams, and independent candidate Jim Walden in the upcoming Queens election.
Current polls indicate that Mamdani still leads in the race, with Cuomo trailing in second and Sliwa in third.
