Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee for New York City mayor, is facing increasing calls to withdraw from the race, particularly from his longtime friend and employer, billionaire John Catsimatidis. On March 4, 2024, Catsimatidis publicly urged Sliwa to step aside, aligning with a broader initiative led by former Governor Andrew Cuomo and his supporters to consolidate the field for Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate.
During an interview on WABC, Catsimatidis expressed his affection for Sliwa but emphasized that the candidate should prioritize the city over personal ambitions. “Look, I love Curtis,” he said. “But Curtis has to realize that he should love New York more than anything else. And it certainly looks like Curtis should pull out right now.” Catsimatidis further noted the risks of allowing Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, to gain traction in the election. “We cannot take a chance on Zohran winning,” he stated.
This public call marked the first time Catsimatidis urged Sliwa to withdraw, which highlights the strain in their relationship as the campaign progresses. Sliwa has been connected to Catsimatidis through his role as a radio host at WABC, a position that has become contentious as the election unfolds. While Sliwa was previously reported to be on leave from the station, his campaign clarified on March 4 that he had resigned in February to focus on his mayoral bid. Currently, Sliwa is not receiving any salary from WABC, according to his campaign spokesperson.
Polling data reveals Sliwa trailing significantly behind both Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani. With early voting set to begin on March 9, 2024, Catsimatidis’ comments reflect the urgency felt by Cuomo supporters, especially after a recent debate where Cuomo described the mathematical challenges of winning if Sliwa remains in the race. Despite this pressure, Sliwa has consistently refused to drop out, expressing frustration over Cuomo’s assumptions regarding his voter base. “So I’m supposed to help them?” Sliwa remarked. “How come they don’t help themselves?”
In response to Catsimatidis’ statements, Sliwa’s campaign reiterated its commitment to continue the race. Campaign spokesperson Daniel Kurzyna stated, “Today’s news doesn’t change a thing,” adding that if Cuomo seeks support, he should work to earn it rather than relying on Sliwa’s withdrawal.
As the election date approaches, the dynamics between Sliwa, Catsimatidis, and Cuomo will likely continue to evolve, presenting an intriguing narrative in New York City’s political landscape. The outcome of this race could significantly impact the city’s future, especially with a strong candidate like Mamdani in the running.