Report: Sadia J. Choudhury
In a dramatic twist to the 2025 New York City mayoral race, Republican billionaire and WABC Radio owner John Catsimatidis has publicly urged his longtime colleague and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa to withdraw from the race.
Catsimatidis argued that Sliwa’s continued candidacy could split the anti-socialist vote, potentially giving Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani an edge in the election.
Catsimatidis — who once ran for mayor himself — expressed admiration for Sliwa but said the time had come to put the city first:
“Curtis could be the best mayor among all the candidates,” Catsimatidis said.
“But he has to realize — loving New York means doing what’s best for the city. It looks like now is the time for him to pull out.”
The remarks have intensified pressure within Republican and conservative circles to unite behind independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, who is seen as the strongest contender to block Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist.
A recent poll indicated that if Sliwa were to drop out, Cuomo would significantly close the gap with Mamdani.
Despite growing pressure, Sliwa’s campaign remains firm.
“We’re not dropping out,” a campaign spokesperson said. “The people will decide who the next mayor will be.”
Political analysts say the episode exposes deep divisions within the New York Republican establishment — where even powerful backers are now openly calling for strategic withdrawals to consolidate votes.
In Summary:
John Catsimatidis’s public plea to Curtis Sliwa has shaken up the dynamics of the New York City mayoral race. Whether Sliwa yields to pressure or stays in the fight could determine how the 2025 election ultimately plays out.
