Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee for New York City mayor, is under increasing pressure to withdraw from the race, particularly from his longtime friend and billionaire supporter, John Catsimatidis. In a recent interview, Catsimatidis urged Sliwa to step aside to consolidate support for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate. This request marks a significant moment in their relationship, which has been strained by the ongoing campaign.
During an interview with WABC host Sid Rosenberg, Catsimatidis expressed his affection for Sliwa but emphasized the need for him to prioritize the city. “Look, I love Curtis,” Catsimatidis stated. “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.” He further warned that allowing Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a state assemblymember from Queens, to win was a risk they could not afford to take.
The pressure from Catsimatidis comes as polls indicate Sliwa is trailing significantly behind both Cuomo and Mamdani. Early voting is set to begin this weekend, and recent surveys show Sliwa in third place, a position that has prompted concern among Cuomo’s supporters. Catsimatidis’ call for Sliwa to withdraw is particularly noteworthy as it represents a shift in their long-standing friendship and professional ties.
Sliwa has worked with Catsimatidis as a radio host for WABC, although his campaign clarified on Monday that he had “quit” his job in February to focus on the mayoral race. Despite the assertion that he is not currently receiving payment, Catsimatidis described Sliwa as being “on leave” from the station. When asked about the possibility of Sliwa returning to the airwaves should he lose the election, Catsimatidis replied that it was “up to him.”
Sliwa has consistently refused to bow to pressure to exit the race. Following Catsimatidis’ comments, his campaign spokesperson, Daniel Kurzyna, reaffirmed their position, stating, “Today’s news doesn’t change a thing.” He added that if Cuomo seeks support, he must “get out and earn it.”
The ongoing elections have not only illuminated the dynamics between Sliwa and Catsimatidis but have also highlighted the challenges facing Cuomo’s campaign. Following a recent debate, Cuomo himself acknowledged that it would be “very, very, very hard mathematically” for him to win if Sliwa continues to campaign.
As the election draws nearer, the tension among candidates and their supporters becomes increasingly palpable, reflecting the high stakes involved in the race for New York City’s future.
