Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk urged GOP mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa to exit the New York City race to prevent socialist Zohran Mamdani from winning. Mamdani clinched the Democratic nomination via rank-choice voting in June. Kirk warned that only a unified conservative ticket could defeat him.
Kirk described Sliwa as a “novelty” candidate and suggested the party consolidate behind a more viable contender—potentially independent Mayor Eric Adams, whose approval remains low. Kirk emphasized that the race should be fought on crime, quality of life, and steering clear of “radical, third-world elements.”
Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, rejected the call and pointed to a recent poll showing him ahead of Adams 16%‑14%, although Mamdani leads with 35%, followed by Andrew Cuomo at 29% in a four-way contest. Sliwa argued that Adams is “dead last” in favorability and said: “Why would any candidate drop out…?”.
Kirk stressed NYC remains winnable: Mamdani’s youth and social media skill make him formidable, but he noted that many likely Democratic voters may still back the party nominee. He urged conservative unity to prevent a Mannadani victory deemed “existential” for the city.
The Nov. 4 general election includes independent runs from Adams and Cuomo. Kirk’s strategy — sacrificing Sliwa for a stronger challenger — underscores the high stakes for Republicans aiming to counter Democratic dominance in America’s largest city.
