Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa is under mounting pressure to withdraw from the 2025 New York City mayoral race, as critics highlight several past controversies.
Former campaign incidents resurfacing include staged crime-fighting stunts in 1992, loss of tax-exempt status for his group, and remarks targeting Orthodox Jewish communities. There is also mention of a settled child-support lawsuit linked to his personal life. Party leaders warn that Sliwa’s continued candidacy may split conservative votes and potentially hand the election to progressive rival Zohran Mamdani.
Despite these calls to step aside, Sliwa remains defiant, refusing to drop out and defending his record of public-safety advocacy and community service. However, key Republican donors and influencers are publicly urging him to end his campaign and support Andrew Cuomo in order to unify the non-progressive vote.