Billionaire John Catsimatidis Urges Curtis Sliwa to Withdraw from NYC Mayor’s Race Immediately
Billionaire John Catsimatidis, a prominent figure in New York’s grocery and radio industries, has urged Republican Curtis Sliwa to withdraw from the mayoral race. His recommendation aims to enhance the chances of defeating Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Background on the Race
Catsimatidis, who owns WABC radio, made his appeal following an AARP poll indicating a close competition between Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The poll suggests that if Sliwa were to exit the race, Cuomo could close the gap on Mamdani significantly.
Poll Results Analysis
- Mamdani: 44.6%
- Cuomo: 40.7%
- Margin of error: 4 points
With Sliwa in the race, Mamdani leads Cuomo by 14 percentage points, demonstrating a potential shift if the Republican nominee steps aside.
Catsimatidis’ Perspective
Catsimatidis stated, “Curtis should pull out right now. We cannot take a chance on Zohran winning.” He emphasized that Sliwa’s decision should prioritize the city over personal ambitions, claiming the move would be commendable.
Political Expert Insights
Political expert J.C. Polanco noted the uncertainty surrounding Sliwa’s supporters and their potential shift to Cuomo. He remarked that an endorsement from Sliwa could energize voters, creating a tighter race.
Sliwa’s Response
When pressed about withdrawing, Sliwa firmly rejected the idea. He stated, “I’m not dropping out. I have support. I have 11 headquarters and a robust volunteer network.” He emphasized his active campaign efforts, contrasting these with Cuomo’s visibility.
Cuomo’s Assessment of Sliwa
Andrew Cuomo downplayed Sliwa’s candidacy during an interview on “Morning Joe,” labeling him as “a shock jock” and predicting Sliwa’s support would diminish. He criticized Sliwa’s viability and suggested intensity in campaigning would be crucial in the final weeks.
Final Stretch Before Election Day
As the candidates gear up for the upcoming debate and early voting set to begin, they have little time left to make impactful arguments to the electorate. Election Day is two weeks away, and voter engagement remains critical.
