Throwback photo Curtis Sliwa , the Republican nominee for New York City mayor, is asked to withdraw from the 2025 race. It’s part of a broader controversy in the chaotic NYC mayoral election , where wealthy donors and political insiders are pushing Sliwa to drop out to consolidate anti-progressive votes behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent). Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels vigilante group, has staunchly refused, accusing billionaires of trying to “buy” the election and emphasizing voter choice over elite influence. Key Players and Context Curtis Sliwa (Republican Nominee) : A 71-year-old radio host and street safety advocate, Sliwa is polling in the mid-teens but has no realistic path to victory in heavily Democratic NYC. He’s framed his refusal to exit as a stand against billionaire meddling , saying, “I trust the people, I don’t trust the billionaires.” 1 He claims to have rejected multiple bribe offers—up to $10 million in cash or jobs...
