Curtis Sliwa, the GOP nominee for New York City mayor, is not backing down despite increasing pressure to withdraw from the race. Insiders shared this information on Thursday.
The founder of the Guardian Angels has raised over $3 million, indicating strong financial support, according to campaign records.
Supporters say he feels a responsibility to represent Republicans, especially with upcoming elections. George Pataki, a former three-term GOP governor and Sliwa supporter, remarked that dropping out is simply not an option. “He has a duty to the other Republican candidates,” Pataki noted, adding that he sees no reason for the pressure to force Sliwa out.
Meanwhile, polls show democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani leading ahead of the November election, which has intensifying implications for Sliwa’s campaign.
This dynamic prompted former President Trump to extend an invitation for Sliwa to unite with him and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams to counter Mamdani’s campaign. Sources mention that Andrew Cuomo is also positioned as a significant contender against Mamdani.
However, Sliwa and his backers maintain that Cuomo’s perceived advantage is misleading. “Curtis is a valid alternative,” said Ed Cox, a state Republican Speaker, encouraging Sliwa to significantly invest as the election date nears.
Sliwa’s campaign currently holds about $3.4 million in cash on hand, as recorded on Thursday. With an impressive 7,200 donors averaging $118, his financial backing surpasses Cuomo’s and Adams’ supporter numbers, though Mamdani enjoys an even larger base of 18,000 donors.
According to state campaign finance rules, Sliwa would need to repay nearly $3.3 million in matching funds if he decided to drop out, along with any incurred costs related to promoting his campaign.
He consistently ranks third in polls, notably ahead of Adams, who defeated him in the 2021 election. Sliwa also holds strong backing from local Republican organizations, while Adams and Cuomo are running as independents.
Pataki pointed out the discrepancy in pressure facing candidates, questioning why Cuomo isn’t similarly compelled to exit the race after his previous defeat in the Democratic primary. He believes a direct face-off would benefit Sliwa’s chances.
Joe Borelli, a recognized figure in New York’s Republican scene, dismissed rumors of Sliwa bowing out due to White House pressure. “He’s in it to win it,” Borelli asserted, emphasizing Sliwa’s dedication to pursuing his ambitions in the mayoral race.
Sliwa has stated that he has not been approached by Trump’s administration regarding a potential job and has little interest in one. “My focus is on New York,” he declared. “I’m the only candidate on the main party line capable of defeating Mamdani, and I intend to fight this all the way to Election Day.”
As the campaigns progress, Sliwa will have to manage his finances carefully, ensuring he can cover any expenditures without risking his matching funds.
