New York Republican heavyweight John Catsimatidis pleads with Curtis Sliwa to drop out of mayoral race in a shocking move to unite voters behind Andrew Cuomo just weeks before election day
In a surprising twist that has rattled New York’s political landscape, billionaire businessman and longtime GOP donor John Catsimatidis has publicly urged Curtis Sliwa to withdraw from the city’s mayoral race. The unexpected plea comes with just over two weeks left before voters head to the polls, in what Catsimatidis described as a “strategic move” to consolidate political forces and prevent another fractured election outcome. The call was made in a private appeal and later confirmed by campaign insiders, who say Catsimatidis believes the Republican base must unite to stop the city from slipping deeper into political chaos.
Curtis Sliwa, the outspoken founder of the Guardian Angels and well-known conservative radio host, has been running a spirited campaign that drew attention for its street-level energy and tough-on-crime rhetoric. But sources close to both campaigns suggest that Catsimatidis sees Sliwa’s continued candidacy as a potential spoiler in the race — one that could split right-leaning votes and give Democrats a stronger path to victory. In what’s being called a last-ditch effort to stabilize the GOP presence in New York City, Catsimatidis is reportedly pushing for a united front, even if it means crossing political lines to temporarily support former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s comeback attempt.
The move has sparked fierce reactions within Republican circles. Some see Catsimatidis’ call as a pragmatic step to ensure conservative influence remains in city politics, while others view it as a betrayal of principle — a decision that puts power before loyalty. For Sliwa, who has spent decades cultivating a reputation as a grassroots fighter for ordinary New Yorkers, the idea of dropping out has been met with resistance. In recent interviews, he has remained defiant, saying his campaign “belongs to the people of New York, not the elites.”
Political observers say the situation underscores the deep divisions within the city’s GOP establishment. While Catsimatidis’ message was framed as an appeal for unity, critics argue it reflects frustration among party insiders who have struggled to gain traction in a city overwhelmingly dominated by Democrats. Cuomo’s potential reemergence in this mix only adds another layer of tension, particularly given his controversial resignation in 2021 and his polarizing reputation across party lines.
Despite the drama, both Catsimatidis and Sliwa have expressed mutual respect in the past. Catsimatidis, who previously ran for mayor himself, has long been seen as a power broker in Republican politics, leveraging his wealth and influence to back candidates he believes can win. But this latest move signals a shift — one that prioritizes strategy over ideology, as New York Republicans look to the future of their fractured coalition.
As election day draws near, all eyes will be on whether Sliwa bows to party pressure or doubles down on his grassroots campaign. His refusal to quit could fracture conservative votes and test Catsimatidis’ influence within the GOP ranks. Meanwhile, Democrats like Cuomo are quietly watching the spectacle unfold, aware that every Republican division strengthens their own path to power.
In the high-stakes world of New York City politics, nothing is ever straightforward. But one thing is clear — this race has become less about policies and more about power, influence, and survival. Whether Curtis Sliwa stays in or steps aside, the next two weeks are certain to define the political balance of America’s largest city for years to come.
