Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, an anti-crime patrol group in New York City, is once again vying for the mayoral seat.
Despite his defeat four years ago to Democrat Eric Adams by a significant margin of nearly 40 percentage points, Sliwa is optimistic about his chances in the upcoming election. The Republican candidate is banking on the division of the Democratic vote among three controversial candidates to bolster his chances of victory.
According to the Western Journal, the 71-year-old Sliwa is confident that he can retain his previous supporters while attracting new ones from the Democratic camp. His campaign is centered on the assertion that he is the most capable candidate to combat crime in the city.
The Democratic nominee is Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman known for his extreme socialist views. Mamdani won the nomination after defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary.
Cuomo, who resigned as governor four years ago amid sexual harassment allegations, is now running as an independent. Meanwhile, Adams, tainted by a federal bribery case, bypassed the primary and is seeking re-election as an independent.
Sliwa, in an interview with the Associated Press, said, Zohran obviously is very unique. Hes way to the left, but then again, Cuomo and Adams, listen to the way they talk. Theyre Zohran-lite. I will be the alternative.
Sliwa is steadfast in his decision to stay in the race, despite calls from some Mamdani critics to withdraw and support a candidate with a better chance of defeating the Democratic nominee.
Sliwa's campaign is primarily focused on crime, an issue that played a significant role in Adams' victory in the 2021 election, which took place during the pandemic. While the Democratic primary this year was largely centered on New York's high cost of living, Sliwa believes that crime is becoming an equally pressing concern for voters.
He pointed out the escalating violence in the Bronx, the need for law enforcement in the outskirts of Queens, and the safety of women in the subway as key issues.
Sliwa's campaign echoes some national Republican talking points, such as advocating for stricter bail laws and suggesting that the National Guard should patrol high-crime areas. George Arzt, a seasoned Democratic political consultant in New York, attributes Sliwa's appeal to his likability and engaging personality.
Arzt said, Hes a guy whos enjoyable to listen to, but does he spout the Republican line? No. Is he a Democrat? Certainly not. But hes someone you like listening to. Hes funny.
During a recent campaign event in the Bronx, Sliwa encountered Noemi Molina, a 62-year-old resident who has been familiar with Sliwa since he founded the Guardian Angels. Molina expressed her admiration for Sliwa's perseverance and commitment to making a difference in the city, stating, Hes still trying. Hes still striving. Hes still trying to get things done. Hes trying to help.
Sliwa's campaign, grounded in his commitment to combating crime and his charismatic personality, is a testament to his determination to serve New York City. Despite the challenges and the odds stacked against him, Sliwa remains undeterred in his quest to secure the mayoral seat.
His campaign, while reflecting some national Republican viewpoints, is primarily driven by his personal commitment to the city and its residents.
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