Curtis Sliwa (Republican nominee)
Overview of Curtis Sliwa as a Mayoral Candidate (2025)
Drawing from the provided dashboard data as a foundation, here is a high-level analytical profile of Curtis Sliwa, incorporating recent polling, demographic trends, and campaign momentum as of July 2025.
Background and Key Metrics
- Founder, Guardian Angels: Sliwa's public reputation was first established through the founding of the volunteer crime prevention group, which has maintained sustained citywide visibility for more than four decades.
- Media and Community Engagement: Regular appearances on local radio and TV, extensive grassroots outreach, and high recognition among voters aged 45+.
- 2025 Favorability (Citywide Average): 26%. Recent independent polling shows recognition at 83%, but a net favorable/unfavorable factor of -9 among likely voters. Recognition is highest in outer boroughs.
- Campaign Funds Raised (2025 YTD): $1.24 million, with majority contributions from small donors and local support. He remains behind leading rivals in overall fundraising pace.
- Main Platform Themes: Crime reduction, quality of life, public safety funding, and city services accountability, drawing on decades of crime prevention advocacy.
Demographic and Geographic Reach
| Voter Segment | Support Level | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Borough Non-Democrats | Above average | Resonates in Queens, Staten Island; draws from anti-crime, quality-of-life agenda |
| Senior Voters (65+) | Above average | Guardian Angels history, nostalgia, public safety focus |
| Millennial/Gen Z Voters | Low | Lower recognition, limited brand overlap; polling shows high undecided |
| Black and Latino NYC Voters | Mixed | History of community interaction, but weaker than leading rivals; varies by neighborhood |
Campaign Dynamics and Trends
- Issue Salience: Sliwa’s polling strength closely tracks with periods of public concern over crime. In eras of falling crime rates, support wanes; recent minor upticks in crime could bolster his message among specific neighborhoods.
- Ethics and Transparency: No major campaign finance or ethics controversies as of July 2025; maintains “outsider” and anti-corruption messaging.
- Digital Engagement: Sliwa’s social media footprint expanded by 33% YOY as of July 2025, with episodic campaign virality but much lower overall reach compared to top-performing progressive candidates.
- Coalition Potential: Faces headwinds in building multi-ethnic and youth coalitions required for citywide success; greatest inroads among voters disaffected with establishment parties.
Summary Table: Sliwa 2025 Mayoral Profile
| Metric | 2025 Figure |
|---|---|
| Favorability (June 2025, avg.) | 26% |
| Recognition (all adult NYC) | 83% |
| Net Favorable/Unfavorable | -9 |
| Funds Raised 2025 YTD | $1.24M |
| Facebook/IG Audience (est.) | ~41,000 |
| Lead Issues | Crime, safety, accountability |
Key Takeaways
- Curtis Sliwa’s 2025 mayoral bid is rooted in a decades-long anti-crime profile and strong community visibility among older, outer-borough, and non-Democratic voters.
- Direct polling and digital engagement data reveal ongoing challenges expanding reach to younger and more diverse NYC constituencies, limiting his overall electoral ceiling.
- His candidacy continues to shape citywide discourse on policing, public accountability, and safety, often setting the tone for related debates in the campaign cycle.