Post-Election Controversy Heats Up in New York City as Former Governor Blames Republican Candidate Curtis Sliwa
Shah J. Choudhury,New York, November 2025
— Following his defeat in the recent New York City mayoral election, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has explicitly stated that the main reason for his loss was Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. In radio interviews and public statements, Cuomo said that Sliwa split the vote, effectively reducing his chances of victory.
Cuomo’s Statement
Cuomo said,
“If Curtis Sliwa had not been in the race, I would have won this election. The votes he received would have gone to me. The vote was split—that’s the reality.”
He accused Sliwa of dominating media coverage and campaign attention, which he claims diverted the focus from the true contest between him and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Election Results
• Zohran Mamdani (Democrat) — Winner
• Andrew Cuomo (Independent) — Second Place
• Curtis Sliwa (Republican) — Third Place
Political analysts note that Sliwa’s presence drew votes away from Cuomo, contributing to his defeat. However, they also caution that election outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including candidate popularity, media influence, past political controversies, and the broader social context of the city—not just vote splitting.
Curtis Sliwa’s Response
Sliwa rejected the claim, stating:
“I am not a spoiler candidate. I campaigned for my voters. Whether Cuomo won or lost is not my responsibility.”
He added that his candidacy gave voters more options, ensuring a diverse choice in the election.
Political Analysis
1. Cuomo’s Comeback: Returning to the political arena as a former governor drew widespread attention and controversy.
2. Sliwa’s Popularity: His grassroots efforts and community involvement made him appealing to younger voters.
3. Mamdani’s Rise: Support from progressive and young voters strengthened Mamdani’s position.
4. Vote-Splitting Theory: While vote splitting played a role, it is difficult to assert that Sliwa’s candidacy alone caused Cuomo’s defeat.
Conclusion
Cuomo’s claims have sparked new debates in New York City politics. From his perspective, Sliwa’s participation impacted his chances. Yet, analysts emphasize that election outcomes are multidimensional and complex.
The Cuomo vs. Sliwa debate is likely to remain a focal point of political discussion for months to come.
