News Summary
As the mayoral race intensifies, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa warns of New York City’s declining conditions due to progressive mismanagement and high taxes. Recent Census data shows a population decrease, with many residents leaving for more affordable states. Despite low polling numbers, Sliwa advocates for a five-year tax holiday for graduates and increased police presence to boost public safety and economic stability. His campaign focuses on fiscal conservatism, contrasting sharply with Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani’s platform on housing and social investments.
New York City is witnessing a heated mayoral race, with Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels and Republican candidate, sounding alarms over the city’s status. Sliwa describes the current decline of New York City as a “cautionary tale” stemming from what he identifies as progressive mismanagement, high taxation, and escalating crime rates. He suggests that many residents have begun to leave the city for lower-cost states, marking a significant population change over recent years.
Recent polling data from Quinnipiac University indicates that Sliwa is currently at 15% among likely voters, significantly trailing Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who holds 46%, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo with 33%. Despite his low standing, Sliwa has made it clear that he intends to implement economic policies aimed at reversing the trends contributing to the city’s decline.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New York City has experienced a population decrease of approximately 4.5% between 2020 and 2024. Sliwa points to this trend as evidence of the city’s failing conditions, as residents migrate to states like Florida, Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas in search of better economic opportunities.
One of the cornerstone proposals of Sliwa’s campaign is a five-year income tax holiday for young graduates who choose to stay and work in New York. He believes that this initiative will not only help retain young talent but also stimulate the local economy. Sliwa calls the city’s budget of $118 billion “bloated,” advocating for a reduction of $10 billion in government spending by eliminating unnecessary roles within the bureaucracy.
Public safety stands out as a crucial issue for Sliwa. He calls for an increase in the police force by at least 7,000 officers to enhance safety perceptions across the city, particularly in public transportation systems where many individuals, specifically women, feel vulnerable. Sliwa criticizes current policies for failing to effectively address crime, citing discrepancies such as stricter measures on petty theft while serious crime remains unchecked.
Supporting small businesses is another key aspect of Sliwa’s agenda. He emphasizes their role as significant employers within the city, providing jobs for approximately one million residents. Sliwa also opposes what he terms ‘congestion pricing,’ arguing that it unfairly burdens working-class individuals commuting into the city.
Despite his efforts, Sliwa’s campaign is struggling to gain substantial traction within the tightly contested race. His polling numbers remain steady, yet insufficient to create a major impact on the election landscape. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s platform focuses on housing affordability and social investments, further highlighting the contrasts between Democratic and Republican candidates for the mayoral seat.
Sliwa maintains that he is distinctively positioned as “the only real New Yorker running,” suggesting that his long-term commitment to the city aligns with the future needs of its residents. His campaign represents a stark contrast to the other candidates, as he emphasizes fiscal conservatism, tax cuts, and public safety as fundamental components of economic recovery for New York City.
As the election approaches, New Yorkers face critical decisions about the city’s direction regarding economic and public safety policies, making this mayoral race one of the most pivotal in recent history.
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Additional Resources
- Politico: Letitia James Indictment and NYC Mayoral Race
- NBC News: Cuomo Gains Ground in NYC Mayoral Race
- ABC News: Zohran Mamdani, NYC’s Democratic Socialist Candidate
- Fox News: Poll Reveals Mamdani’s Lead Shrinking
- USA Today: Cuomo Gains in NYC Mayoral Poll
- Wikipedia: New York City
- Google Search: NYC Mayoral Race 2025
- Google Scholar: New York City Mayoral Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City
- Google News: NYC Mayor Race 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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