Curtis Sliwa, the recognizable founder of the Guardian Angels, is making another run for mayor of New York City. While often seen as an outsider by the city’s business elite, Sliwa believes he has a genuine path to victory, especially in a crowded field. His distinctive style and focus on everyday New Yorkers could be his key to success.
This article delves into Sliwa’s campaign, exploring his unique appeal, his policy positions, and the challenges he faces. We’ll examine his strategies for connecting with voters, his views on key issues like crime and the economy, and his potential to shake up the mayoral race.
Key topics covered include Sliwa’s campaign strategy, his stance on business and crime, and an analysis of his chances against established politicians like Mamdani and Cuomo.
Curtis Sliwa: From Canarsie to Crime Fighter
Born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn, Curtis Sliwa’s New York roots run deep. Unlike some of his opponents, he’s a true New Yorker, never having lived outside the city. This authenticity resonates with many voters who feel disconnected from the political establishment.
Sliwa rose to prominence in the late 1970s with the founding of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime prevention group. Dressed in their signature red berets, the Angels patrolled the city’s subways and streets, working to deter crime and provide a sense of security.
‘You guys always say follow the numbers. In a four-way race, I have a path to victory because people actually like me and they have problems with the others,’ Sliwa said in a recent interview.
This hands-on approach to public safety has been a defining characteristic of Sliwa’s career. Even today, he emphasizes the importance of in-person campaigning, meeting voters where they are and addressing their concerns directly.
The Red Beret on the Campaign Trail: A Strategy of Visibility
Curtis Sliwa’s campaign strategy relies heavily on visibility and direct engagement with voters. He’s often seen campaigning on subways and in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs, a stark contrast to opponents who spend more time courting wealthy donors in exclusive settings.
Despite trailing in fundraising, Sliwa believes his grassroots approach can overcome the financial disadvantage. He aims to connect with everyday New Yorkers who feel ignored by the political establishment and offer them a voice in city government.
One of the biggest challenges Sliwa faces is overcoming his image as an outsider. The city’s business community, in particular, has been hesitant to take him seriously, with some power brokers even snubbing him. He hopes to change this perception by convincing them that he’s the only true pro-business candidate in the race.
Sliwa’s Pro-Business Vision: Crime Reduction and Tax Cuts
Sliwa is trying to portray himself as a champion of New York City’s business community. He argues that his policies, particularly his focus on crime prevention and tax cuts, would create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
He specifically calls out congestion pricing, which he believes is hurting retail foot traffic and property values. Sliwa promises to eliminate unnecessary government bureaucracy and reduce the tax burden on businesses, making the city more competitive.
Sliwa also stresses the importance of public safety for businesses. He says it’s impossible to keep them from diversifying but you have to convince them to keep what they have by getting rid of the homeless and making sure women are safe from pervs in the subway when going to work.
Combating Crime: A Core Campaign Promise
Sliwa has a long track record on crime prevention, dating back to his days with the Guardian Angels. He is reiterating that point and is trying to make it a central theme of his mayoral campaign, vowing to make New York City safer for residents and businesses alike.
He praises current Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, stating, ‘She’s a saint in a cauldron of corruption’. Sliwa has stated he would keep her in her job if elected.
Sliwa argues that his approach to crime is essential to preventing a socialist takeover of New York. He warns that rising crime and a perceived lack of public safety could drive businesses and residents out of the city, leading to further decline.
Navigating a Crowded Field: Sliwa’s Rivals and Their Challenges
The 2025 mayoral race is shaping up to be a competitive contest, with several prominent candidates vying for the city’s top job. Sliwa faces challenges from more established politicians, including Mamdani, a self proclaimed Marxist, and Cuomo, the son of a former governor.
Sliwa positions himself as the only candidate who can prevent New York from falling into socialism. He criticizes Cuomo and Adams saying, ‘Cuomo’s approvals are as bad as Adams’. People don’t like them. But they like me.’
Despite being an underdog, Sliwa believes his unique appeal and grassroots campaign can resonate with voters who are disillusioned with the status quo. He aims to present himself as a viable alternative to the established political figures.
Sliwa’s Uphill Battle: Can a Red Beret Change the City?
Curtis Sliwa faces an uphill battle in his quest to become the next mayor of New York City. Despite his challenges, Sliwa’s campaign offers a distinctive voice and a focus on the concerns of everyday New Yorkers.
His promise to prioritize public safety and economic opportunity, and his willingness to challenge the political establishment, may resonate with voters seeking a change. With polls showing the four way race to be close, it may be up to voters to decide whether Sliwa’s vision for New York deserves a chance.
The 2025 mayoral election promises to be a pivotal moment for New York City. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see whether Sliwa’s outsider status can be an advantage, and whether his message of change can capture the imagination of voters.
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