Mayoral Race Tensions Rise Between Sliwa and Cuomo
In a recent statement, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa pointed fingers at Andrew Cuomo and the Democratic Party, suggesting that their failures would be responsible if Zoran Mamdani were to win. When asked if he might be a spoiler in the elections, Sliwa was clear: the blame would lie solely with his opponent and party.
“Now [Cuomo’s] saying, ‘We can’t win without Sliwa’s votes,'” Sliwa remarked during his appearance on YouTube’s “The Nate Friedman Show.” He questioned, “Where’s your vote?”
Sliwa attributed Mamdani’s rise, a left-wing democratic socialist, to what he termed “the self-destruction of the Democratic Party.”
He followed that up with a pointed inquiry: “Who created Zoran Mamdani?” Sliwa expressed frustration about why he should support a party that he believes isn’t helping itself. “Andrew Cuomo has failed everyone,” he stated, emphasizing that even members of the Democratic establishment recognize this reality.
Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, accused Cuomo and others, including billionaire Bill Ackman, of ensuring Mamdani’s victory by fracturing the anti-Mamdani votes between himself and Cuomo, rather than allowing a focus on one candidate.
Cuomo is currently running on the independent “Fight to Deliver” ballot line since Mamdani secured a significant victory in the Democratic primary. Opinion polls indicate that Cuomo is trailing Mamdani by a considerable margin, though he sits ahead of Sliwa.
Sliwa noted that his supporters seem dissatisfied with both Cuomo and Mamdani. “Are all my voters suddenly going to say, ‘We love Andrew Cuomo?’ He killed all the elderly,” he commented, referring to Cuomo’s controversial nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He further critiqued Cuomo, labeling him a “sexual harasser” and referring to the accusations that led to the former governor’s resignation.
In a broader context, Sliwa also highlighted Cuomo’s past remarks suggesting that New Yorkers who oppose abortion and support gun rights should consider leaving the state, a statement that had drawn ire from conservatives.
Sliwa didn’t shy away from criticizing Ackman and other wealthy figures trying to sway the race in favor of Cuomo. “Ackman is the worst,” he declared, urging such individuals to “stay in your lane.” He added that it’s clear Cuomo has already given up.
Sliwa, who insists he is a legitimate candidate unlike Cuomo, believes it’s important for him to remain in the race, especially to support Republican candidates in local elections.
On the flip side, Cuomo argued that he is the better candidate to oppose Mamdani directly, suggesting that Sliwa’s involvement could hinder that goal. In a statement on ABC 7’s “Close Up with Bill Ritter,” Cuomo claimed, “Curtis Sliwa can’t win a race. He’s there as a spoiler.” He further emphasized that supporting Sliwa effectively equates to supporting Mamdani.
In a statement following Sliwa’s interview, Ackman blasted Republicans as self-serving, suggesting Sliwa is more interested in media attention than in the welfare of New York City.
The back-and-forth has intensified as early voting commenced on Saturday, leading up to Election Day on November 4th. The final debate among the candidates is set to take place on Wednesday, hosted by NY1.
