Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, is facing intense pressure from various political figures and conservative leaders to drop out of the contest.
This push comes amid a three-way race where Sliwa’s continued candidacy is seen by some as splitting the anti-socialist vote. Despite the mounting calls, Sliwa has defiantly resisted, declaring that under no circumstances will he withdraw and even stating he’d rather impale himself than endorse Andrew Cuomo.
Many believe that if Sliwa exits, it would consolidate support behind Cuomo, potentially allowing the former governor to mount a stronger challenge against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Recent polls show that in a head-to-head matchup without Sliwa, Cuomo could close the gap on Mamdani, turning it into a competitive race.
Conversely, some argue that if Cuomo were to drop out instead, Sliwa’s chances would improve significantly in a direct contest against Mamdani, as he could attract centrist and conservative voters wary of socialism. In the current three-way dynamic, however, Mamdani holds a commanding double-digit lead according to multiple surveys, buoyed by strong Democratic support.
This polling dominance has fueled concerns among moderates and business leaders about the implications of a socialist Democrat taking control of the nation’s largest city. Critics fear that Mamdani’s progressive policies could disrupt economic stability and public safety in New York City, echoing broader national debates over democratic socialism.
We want to ask you, the reader: should Curtis Sliwa drop out of the NYC mayoral race? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on who should drop out so that Mamdani can be defeated.
If you cannot see the poll, click here.
