New polling showing that former Governor Andrew Cuomo has cut slightly into socialist Zohran Mamdani’s lead in the race for New York City mayor has led to a flurry of calls from both sides of the aisle this week for Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to drop out of the race. But Republicans shouldn’t be asked to surrender to clean up Democrats’ messes.
According to the latest RealClearPolitics polling average, Mamdani now leads Cuomo by 17.1 points, 45.3 percent to 27.9 percent, with Sliwa trailing in a distant third at 14.1 percent. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race in September, but his name will still appear on the ballot, and he enjoys 6.6 percent support.
Most surveys show that if the election were a choice between just Mamdani and Cuomo, Mamdani’s lead would shrink to single digits – perhaps giving Cuomo a path to victory. This has created a flood of pressure on Sliwa to withdraw from the contest and throw his support behind Cuomo to defeat the dreaded Mamdani.
“Swallow the bitter pill, Curtis Sliwa – quit the race to stop Zohran Mamdani,” The New York Post Editorial Board demanded on Monday. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and grocery store magnate John Catsimatidis have also urged Sliwa to drop out, as has Cuomo himself and other Mamdani opponents in New York Democrat circles.
So far, however, Sliwa has refused to withdraw. “It’s the Democrats who created Mamdani and who embraced him and who nourished him, who supported him,” Sliwa argued during an appearance on Nate Friedman’s show late last week. “How dare you people who know nothing about politics suggest that everybody who’s going to vote for me is suddenly going to be reborn and say, ‘we love Andrew Cuomo.’”
As Sliwa also correctly pointed out, Cuomo has plenty of baggage of his own that would alienate voters of all political persuasions, including putting COVID-positive seniors in nursing homes, sexual assault allegations, and past comments telling those with conservative views that they aren’t welcome in New York. Now, Sliwa is supposed to lie down and tell Republican voters to hold their noses and vote for someone who openly despises them.
“This is the result of the Democrats’ self-destruction, so I’m supposed to help them?” Sliwa asked. “How come they don’t help themselves? Andrew Cuomo failed everybody in that primary, he even admitted it. Now he’s basically saying, ‘I can’t win without Sliwa votes’ – where are your votes? I represent a major party line, I have people running under me, council people, judges, they put their heart and soul into it.”
The idea that voters are some kind of programmable bloc – robots who will automatically follow orders from elites – is as arrogant as it is false. The notion that one candidate can simply drop out and hand their supporters over to another is an insult to the intelligence and independence of voters. If every Sliwa voter is supposedly destined to switch their allegiance to Cuomo, then why doesn’t Cuomo instead tell his voters to back Sliwa? The absurdity of that hypothetical reveals just how hollow this entire argument is.
Many of Sliwa’s supporters would undoubtedly simply stay home before voting for a man like Andrew Cuomo – and who could blame them? Voters are not obligated to choose between the lesser of two evils, especially when both options are products of the same corrupt political machine. Cuomo is not offering to represent their interests; he’s offering to exploit their frustration for his own comeback.
And even if every Sliwa voter suddenly became a Cuomo fanatic, there’s still no guarantee it would be enough to overcome Mamdani’s lead. A Republican endorsing Cuomo could further drive turnout for Mamdani or lead to defections from Cuomo’s current base of support.
This whole episode reeks of the condescension that defines politics in one-party cities and states like New York. The establishment believes Republican voters are too naïve to understand “strategic voting,” so they must be denied even the right to express themselves on the ballot. It’s the same paternalistic logic that drives every failed top-down decision in New York, with bureaucrats and billionaires telling everyday people what’s good for them. To them, democracy only works when it produces their preferred outcome.
Meanwhile, Democrats are desperate to make Sliwa the scapegoat for their own implosion. They’re the ones who allowed radicals like Zohran Mamdani to rise through their ranks unchecked. Where were the calls for unity when Mamdani was hijacking their party from within? Where was the pressure on Kathy Hochul, Chuck Schumer, or Kirsten Gillibrand to take a stand against socialism before it metastasized? The silence was deafening, and then they all got in line and endorsed Mamdani anyway.
Curtis Sliwa is right: Democrats built this monster, and now they have to live with it. If voters choose a radical who wants to abolish the police, freeze rents, and turn New York City into a Marxist experiment, then they’ll reap what they’ve sown. Republicans owe them nothing. Asking Sliwa to fall on his sword to preserve a political order that despises him and his supporters is not compromise or pragmatism – it’s cowardice that betrays everything America stands for.
New Yorkers deserve a real choice, not another rigged coronation designed to protect the powerful from their own failures.
Shane Harris is the Editor in Chief of AMAC Newsline. You can follow him on X @shaneharris513.
In my opinion Curtis Sliwa should stick it out to the end. Articulate his vision for New York and give the voters a clear choice. Good luck Curtis.
COME ON NEW YORKERS, VOTE SILWA!!! TURN YOUR CITY AROUND!!!
Go Sliwa! I have prayed that he will win, if God wants him too. Mamdani and Cuomo come from the same rotten fruit
It seems unlikely that Cuomo would win even if Mr. Sliwa were to drop out. New Yorkers are going to have to live with the consequences of their votes. Mr. Sliwa is a man of principle. I don’t see him dropping out.
As a founder of the Guardian Angles and the best chance at law and order, Curtis is the only choice. No matter which party you align with, Curtis will make a safe environment.
Safety = prosperity.
Do not bail dems out. That is what they want for being disrupters. Dems never come up with solutions just make problems.
Vote for Curtis Sliwa for Mayor of NYC, he’s been doing his best to protect you since 1979, when he founded the Guardian Angels. He’s the only hope you’ve got to empty the cesspool you’re living in! EVERYONE in New York State must vote in 2026, we’ve got to get rid of Gov. Kathy Hochul, she’s evil, she and the Democrats have destroyed New York! Get out and vote in 2026, don’t expect everyone else to do it for you, we need your votes!
Right on! So sick of liberal horse manure!
“To rise through the ranks unchecked” is a perfect description of the Democrats’ candidate for mayor of NYC. I am wondering if I am asleep. The thought of a radical Muslim running for mayor of NYC. Bad enough that he is a radical communist but a Muslim to boot! No place anywhere in this country for Muslims. My opinion of Muslims could not be posted here.
I’m with Curtis–i hope he stays in! Nixon didn’t win in one election.
Ms. Harris is absolutely correct. The democrats made this pile of s–t, now they need to lay in it. The people f NYC seem to wants this garbage to mayor. So be it. Sliwa is the Republican candidate. Cuomo is the spoiler.
If the voters of New York are this stupid to vote in Mamdani while they had a choice of two other candidates I say it’s the people that are the problem. Not Mr Sliwa. I never will understand a voter that would vote for a communist and wants President Trump dead. What Mamdani is proposing is impossible to achieve. It’s a pie in tge sky a chicken in every pot fantasy. Communism doesn’t work. Not in a free society with a cinstitution. The left has put forth policies to break the cinstitution. Censoring free speech and ruling the country through the courts. And when they dont get their way they shut down the government. That is tge future for New York and other cities and towns where these communists candidates are running for leadership positions. The voters of New York have to get smart they have 3 candidates, they have a choice. Will they vote for their own destruction due to hatred the progressives have promoted in this country to the point they applaud the death of a political
opponent. What makes these voters think that once in power they won’t turn on their own kind. The Hate America Rally showed us they got 300 million in donations from Soros et al and had to roll out the people in nursing homes to have any attendance. It wasn’t a rally of free will it was a rally of the most perverse thinking people with great hatred for the conservatives in this country. Paid demonstrators riling up the crowd. I always thought rallies were created by the people spontaneously, this was organized by the Communist parties and organizations in America. They finally showed their existence to the masses. This was a rally by the “KINGS” see billionaires and millionaires, who want to run and ruin this country.
In a way, if Mamdani wins, that will be great because it will result in the destruction of NYC and show the country what a fascist socialistic Muslim will do to the country if it spreads. New York City voters deserve what they reap. I say, let it happen so next election Sliwa has a chance to be on top of the ticket! (if there’s a city left that is)
Well written and very informative article. It’s exactly on point and anyone suggesting that Mr. Sliwa should drop out would certainly benefit from reading it.
Amen!
That was supurbly written!!! Amen! There is ONLY ONE candidate who would be GOOD for New Yorkers. ONLY ONE who actually LOVES all New Yorkers. It’s SLIWA!!! The other TWO are both SLIME. New York had better WAKE UP!!! Your ONLY GOOD Mayors have been Republicans!!! Cuomo is a Liar and nincompoop – REMEMBER Covid DEATHS in NYC, more than any other city. Mamdani is a Communist Islamist anarchist, Sharia-loving Jihadist in a suit and tie!!! He will turn NYC into Gaza overnight! and NYC will build a Mosque at the center of NYC where the Twin Towers used to sit! THAT’S the Goal of Islam for NYC. Remember America is ‘the great satan’ to THEM. Tell all your friends. In order to SAVE NYC, you MUST VOTE FOR SLIWA!!! He’s NCY’s only Hope for reduced Crime in NYC, and for a BETTER FUTURE. Mamdani is a ‘silver spoon’ kiddo from the Middle East!!! What does he know about NYC? Sliwa has lived in NYC all his life – a life spent FIGHTING for Peace throughout NYC’s subways – FOR FREE! NYC never paid him ANYTHING for all he’s done for NYC!!! HE’s your guy. WAKE UP!!! Don’t just throw away NYC to someone who HATES YOU!!! and thinks you’re STUPID!!! And that would be BOTH Mamdani AND Cuomo. Cuomo’s former Governorship was a DISASTER, and his wife was on the payroll with him! Come on, NYC! Vote SLIWA. He’s your ONLY HOPE! to bring BACK NYC’s GREATNESS it HAD under Mayor Giuliani. You NEED your Great Police Force! You need your city’s Wealthiest THERE – paying their extravagant Taxes. If THEY leave, what will be left??? Don’t be greedy! Be Smart! Vote Sliwa, and watch NYC soar to greatness again!
Do Not Drop Out Of the race for Mayor. If very Republician dropped out of the race that demonstrates non-patriotism just because of opposition. People like me who is a Registered Voter Inspector Republican works with you for a better nation. In any position to improve our state, country, and faith in God, and preserve our country history.
Sliwa maintains his integrity over winning a political race… Which is the real victory⁉️
Amen!
Yes, I agree with Sliwa — He should, if he has the resources, put out a major media push aimed at Cuomo the loser and tell New Yorkers that they can choose between Mamdani and him — Cuomo is just a less honest version of Mamdani.
IMO, NYC deserves Commie Mandami! If that many morons live there that would vote for that fool, then they deserve all the misery that’s coming to them. NYC isn’t the powerhouse it once was and it’s sensible residents, businesses and corporations are leaving in droves. The Digital Revolution has helped kill NYC and it’s worthless residents are helping it die.
There’s no good answer at this point. Of course Sliwa, as the only decent, qualified candidate in the race, shouldn’t have to drop out. And yes, even if he did, only divine intervention would block Mamdani’s election. But this is a truly unprecedented emergency, with an almost unimaginable disaster about to explode onto our nation’s biggest city and the center of world commerce as someone who combines the philosophies of Stalin and bin Laden with utter ignorance of governance, complete lack of experience in managing anything, and the arrogance of the true zealot is about to become mayor. It’s not about bailing out Democrats, it’s about a desperate Hail Mary, on last attempt to save New York City. Sliwa deserves to win, but there is zero possibility that he will. Cuomo is disgusting, but would be a far more competent mayor than Mamdani.
And they said Trump was a King and dictator? Are you kidding me right now? This stinks, as much as the city of New York is reported to smell! There should not be a one-party election, ever. The people suggesting this are idiots. Cuomo should never have been allowed on the ballot to begin with, due to his past. He needs to drop out. And the largest Jewish population this side of Israel need to get out and vote for Sliwa. Even if you are an independent, a thinking Democrat tired of this crap, a Libertarian, get out and vote Republican. This socialist needs to be defeated to save New York and this country, and Cuomo has no business ever being in a powerful position again.
If anyone should drop out of the race, it is Cuomo! Totally useless. When he was Governor, he pi$$ed everyone off so bad they RAN him off. Take the hint, Homes! And since there about 534 people running for Mayor, splitting the ticket countless times, who do you reckon will “win”? NYC is fixing to change dramatically, and not for the best…
I totally agree with this article! Could you imagine how Reagan would have reacted to the idea that Republicans should choose the lesser of two evils instead of supporting the only good man of the three who was the actual Republican in the race? Ronald would not be pleased! Better to fight the good fight and lose than to compromise the very values that make us what we are!
Bravo Sliwa!
Ever since I knew Sliwa was in the race, I have been shocked that there has been so little about him from the conservative TV media. I have seen him maybe 3 times on Fox and was impressed but that is all I remember. If NYC wants to be cleaned up, Mamdani and Cuomo are not going to do it. Mamdani is a radical Muslim and Cuomo is a far left Democrat who killed a lot of elderly during Covid 19.
NYC, like the Democrat party has been completely taken over by radical leftwing Socialist Commies courtesy of lazy, radical leftwing Socialist Commie voters. And now they are about to completely destroy NYC and any possible future for themselves.
That will be called self-inflicted karma beginning next month if the COMMIE wins.
Why Sliwa ? Cuomo is a dangerous untrustworthy politician who has cause many in NY to suffer. Ask him to get out of the race. Silas a street tough guy is what NYC needs.
He’s the only individual with principals that’s standing there on stage. And New York City, being the totally weird place it has become, will probably vote Mamdani into office. The mentally challenged often do things like that. In any event, the American taxpayers will ultimately have to bail out NYC in the end, as always. The funding will most surely funneled through the state government as usual. Kind of like Soros funding the progressive party, but doing it through the back door using other organizations.
Curtis is the only candidate since Rudy Giuliani who knows, loves and has served NYC for decades. He knows the common man and understands the inner workings of NYC. I was aware the Covid patients were deadly isolated by Cuomo. DeBlasio (aka Warren Wilhelm of communist Sandinista fame) did to residents of elder care facilities. But New Yorkers are faced with something far worse in a devoted Islamist/Communist in Mamdani. NYC, NY or the USA must not be faced with the vagaries of Sharia Law.
So once again, Curtis Sliwa is rejected from another political contest. Act surprised!
This is why I continue to say that there really is no help for those who insist upon going down the rabbit hole towards socialism.
This is your chance to fix that septic tank you live in. NY can be saved before it’s too late.Also, get rid of that Rank Choice voting.
Why do you keep writing articles about the idiots in NY. Nobody cares what happens to NY. They are making their bed, so they damn sure need to sleep in it. They are liberals that have no respect for people who work and sweat for a living. They want a communist mayor let them have it and show the country, what will happen the the US if more places elect communists. Then we remove NY state from the union, since they already have a communist governor. Anything of real importance, like federal buildings and courts can be moved easy enough. We can easily live without NY. But, overall, who gives a rats ass what happens to New York City! I sure don’t. Been there twice for work, enough to know I would NEVER live there. Every gun I own is illegal there. Where does Mamdani stand on the 2nd Amendment? I’m willing to bet he doesn’t even acknowledge it’s existence. But I do have to admit, it will be very amusing to watch what happens to NY city if the commie does get elected. Should make good entertainment for us gun owners in TX.
While I understand the strategy behind what Cuomo’s minions are asking I personally believe that people are tired of choosing the lesser of two evils. That’s what we were doing in presidential elections until Trump came along. How did that work out? Sliwa may be the most sensible candidate in the race. NYC Republicans n ed to do what the nation did last year: turn out in droves to elect Sliwa.
Curtis Sliwa is right. He needs to stay in the race based on principle alone.
Cuomo is unlikely to defeat Mamdani, and he is not much worse than Mamdani himself.
If Mamdani wins, it will be a train wreck big enough to prompt the passengers to consider getting off the communist train. Let the left implode and others will see that kind of trip goes off the tracks with disastrous results for even those who voted for him.
Sliwa should stay in the race. Mamdami will win and NYC voters will pay the price, as they should, The Islamic communist will give the country a good look at how bad things can be. Enjoy the next four years New Yorkers!
Great Written Article, New York’s Cities Rich History of Being a Mover and Shaker on Both National and International Stage. Deserves someone Who Loves the City and has Done unmeasurable Good for NY for Decades. Curtis Sliwa will be a Passionate NY Mayor. He will Honor the Ancestry Spirt of the City. He Protect what’s Made the City Great. While Passionately not Dropping the Ball on its Future!
Look Mamdani destroyed Cuomo in the primary, so does anyone think that if Sliwa dropped out that anything would change for Cuomo’s mayoral election probabilities? I don’t think so. I’d prefer having Cuomo drop out so that New Yorkers would have a clear choice for voting for a true conservative like Curtis Sliwa versus the communist Mamdani. Of course Cuomo’s large ego won’t allow Andrew to drop out. But I’d prefer having Cuomo step aside than having Sliwa drop out of the mayoral race. Common Sense people!
I find it far more likely that Sliwa voters would just stay home, leaving all the other races to the Dems as well. (Although, is there a single race in which a Republican candidate has a chance?) Maybe let the city that has put itself into this position live with it for a while? My only real opinion is that the Federal government NOT do a darn thing to bail them out when they implode.
14 years ago, I came close to uprooting myself from Arizona and moving to upstate New York. Housing prices were fairly low everywhere, and there is some beautiful scenery around the finger lakes. Then I woke up … the driving force that kept me in Arizona was then the politics. We were bright red, and NY was miserably blue. Granted Arizona politically is purple now, and due to election fraud, turning blue … but New York is politically 3rd world slums, and getting worse by the day.
If they want to go 100% socialist, with their ignorance in voters and political figures, I think maybe it is high time to let them (and those ignorant voters in California) to turn their states into garbage piles. Let New York and California show Americans just how stupid socialism is. Stop the feds from bailing them out, and let them fall … and see if the voters backpedal and chose America over Mamdani, AOC, and the rest of the communists.
STAY IN IT CURTIS!!!!
Choosing between a corrupt ex-governor with the baggage Cuomo carries, a Muslim Progressive/Marxist or a man who has fought for New York City for decades should be an easy choice…..vote for CURTIS SLIWA.
The Democrat need to live with the Mamdani win and own it for their own next races. Huchul MUST lose her governor’s race. So should Senator Gillibrand who betrayed the Clintons to win the senator seat she holds. Nuff said about the sleaze Schumer. He is not worth saving.and if AOC should win his senatorial seat, NY will go down in flames due to ignorant and self-interested voters who know nothing about Socialism (read Communism) and the antisemitic, identity group hate they will be supporting. What a catastrophe for a once fabulous state in which I grew up with pride in my home. It seems Democrats must reduce the state and NYC to rubble before voters will wake up to decide why and who made that catastrophe happen. Will it be worth saving at that point?!
Vote for Sliwa! Here’s why: Republicans drive change. We aim to move forward rather than rely on the mistakes of past parties. For too long, Democrats have failed New York City. So why repeat those same mistakes? New Yorkers need to embrace change and move forward with a new party, rather than relying on outdated talking points. The division, handouts, and lack of accountability from many Democratic members speak volumes. It’s time to wake up! Consider a better option with a fresh perspective. Vote Republican!
Democrats in their hunger for power had a plan , gobble together a broad coalition of voters with views and values that often were polar opposites , the glue they used to accomplish this feast was brainwash them into believing that the ones out of the circle were after them , that they were racists and bigots and that democrats were the only one able to protect them , on top of that they also off course offered plenty of “rewards’ tailored to “their” voters like DEI …
It worked quite well but adding minorities and LGBTQ wasnt enough to guarantee national dominance … they had to expand their circle even more but how ?
At this point after a few “progressives ” managed to pull primary upsets they found the answer .
Their plan was simple , embrace their ideas and philosophies , pamper them by supporting them giving them resources and comittee assignments let the beast in, tame it , control it and use its power and strength for your own benefit .
They thought that it was possible but they failed to see that not only did they make the beast more and more powerful but also that the beast was taking over and devouring the party transforming it in his own image .
Now all of the sudden they are standing at the abyss and panic sets in , this is not portland or seatle or any other leftcoast city this is NYC and unlike with the other cities that progressives ran into the ground what happen in NYC has ramificatons around the globe .
Democrats made the mess and we should not help them out , let the house burn to the ground and the full madness unfold let people see how well socialism works it will be a learning experience for dems
I’ve heard this argument over and over. They are almost always made by those that don’t live here. And relish running against the Commie in 2026. While suffering none of the consequences.
And note: NONE of the Zohran consequences are listed here. Very telling. Cuomo is garbage. But will credibly at least change very little. Now what WILL change if Zohran is elected? Rikers will close, 100%. Zohran, will put in homeless centers in subway stations. Zohran will kill the housing stock. He will blow up the city budget, that has barely recovered from deBlasio. Do any of you Sliwa cheerleaders cheering safely from a distance knows what all of this means? Of course you don’t.
Terrible what is and has, happened to America once greatest city.
the poorly educated population of the cite shows, It is in the crapper, and it is about to get what it deserves
RIP
Truth & Yes apply nationwide IE CA??
b4 the election we should tell our reps to not bail NY out ot the crash that will surely come. the problem then is the worthless twits will emigrate to other places and spread their stupidity….