Calls have intensified for Curtis Sliwa to withdraw from the New York City mayoral race to support fellow candidate Andrew Cuomo. John Catsimatidis, owner of WABC-AM and a significant figure in New York’s media landscape, publicly urged Sliwa to exit the race. He emphasized that Sliwa’s decision should be motivated by a commitment to New York City.
Sliwa Faces Pressure to Support Cuomo in Mayoral Race
Catsimatidis expressed heartfelt support for Sliwa, stating, “Curtis has to realize that he should love New York more than anything else.” He believes that by stepping aside, Sliwa could enhance Cuomo’s chances of securing the position of mayor.
The Political Landscape
Republicans are focused on preventing Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani from winning the election. Catsimatidis, along with other party members, is rallying resources behind Cuomo. Recent polling indicates that should Sliwa exit the race, Cuomo may be able to consolidate sufficient support to surpass Mamdani.
Polling Insights
Recent polls provide insight into the current race dynamics:
- Between October 18-19, Patriot Polling revealed Mamdani leading at 43%, Cuomo at 32%, and Sliwa trailing at 19%.
- AARP’s poll conducted from October 14-15 showed Mamdani at 43.2%, Cuomo at 28.9%, and Sliwa at 19.4%. Additionally, 7.7% of respondents were undecided.
Cuomo’s campaign reported a significant shift, indicating a tight race between Cuomo and Mamdani. “In a head-to-head matchup, Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani are now in a dead heat,” said Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi. This reflects a 10-point swing since previous polls in late August.
Response from Sliwa’s Campaign
Despite the mounting pressure, Sliwa’s campaign maintains he will not withdraw. “Curtis Sliwa stands firm and is not dropping out,” stated spokesperson Daniel Kurzyna. He pointed out that Sliwa believes voters will make the final decision in 15 days and emphasized that Cuomo must actively earn public support.
As the election approaches, the dynamics of the race remain fluid, with potential repercussions for both major and independent candidates. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for all contenders as they vie for the trust of New York City’s voters.
