Billionaire John Catsimatidis, CEO of WABC Radio and Red Apple Media, has openly urged Curtis Sliwa, a Republican candidate for New York City Mayor, to consider withdrawing from the race. This request was made on a Monday amid concerns that Sliwa’s continued participation could split the Republican vote.
Catsimatidis’ Concerns
Catsimatidis, who has his own history in the mayoral race, expressed that consolidating support behind a strong alternative is crucial. He warned that a divided vote could lead to negative outcomes for the city, complicating the election landscape further.
Sliwa’s Response
Despite the pressure, Sliwa remains defiant. He responded by emphasizing his trust in the voters. “The billionaires can conspire to pick their candidate… I trust the people. They will make the decision. I will not drop out,” Sliwa stated, reaffirming his commitment to the campaign.
Upcoming Debates and Candidates
The ongoing election has attracted varied candidates, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is now running as an independent. The upcoming debates will feature Sliwa, Cuomo, and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
- Curtis Sliwa: Republican candidate, staunch in his campaign
- John Catsimatidis: WABC CEO urging Sliwa to withdraw
- Andrew Cuomo: Independent candidate and former New York Governor
- Zohran Mamdani: Democratic nominee
Mamdani noted the irony in the situation, suggesting that both he and Sliwa agree on the importance of keeping billionaire influence out of city politics in a press conference. As the election progresses, the dynamics among these candidates will significantly shape the political landscape in New York City.
