Republican New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa has warned that the outcome of this year’s election could have consequences far beyond the city’s borders. Speaking in an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Sliwa argued that voters face a defining choice between capitalism and socialism, drawing sharp contrasts between himself, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“New York City is the epicenter of capitalism in the world,” Sliwa said, emphasizing that a Mamdani victory could “encourage other young Democratic Socialists of America to take over their city government legally by winning in the ballot box.” The longtime activist and founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime group has made opposition to socialist policies a centerpiece of his campaign.
Sliwa also accused Cuomo of contributing to “horrific increases in crime” during his tenure as governor, citing state-level reforms such as bail reform and the “Raise the Age” law, which increased the age of criminal responsibility. “I’m the only one standing between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, who I call Zohran lite,” he said.
The race comes as New York City undergoes a political shake-up following Mayor Eric Adams’ withdrawal from the contest. A Quinnipiac University poll conducted on October 9 showed Mamdani leading with 46% support, followed by Cuomo at 33% and Sliwa at 15%. Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary but re-entered the race on a third-party ticket, has urged Sliwa to step aside, warning that the Republican’s continued presence could split the anti-Mamdani vote — a claim Sliwa has rejected.
While no Republican has won a mayoral election in the city for two decades, Sliwa argues that this year’s contest could reshape urban politics nationwide. He insists that his campaign represents a stand for law, order, and economic freedom in a city long dominated by progressive leadership.