Curtis Sliwa Unfiltered: Why He Says 2025 Is the Year Republicans Return to City Hall

Based on an upcoming exclusive interview  to be broadcast on BJL social media platforms

In a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred interview set to air exclusively on BJL’s social media platforms, Guardian Angels founder and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa lays out a bold—and unapologetically combative—vision for the future of New York City. From crime and antisemitism to school choice and housing reform, Sliwa’s pitch is direct: a return to law and order, economic sanity, and civic self-respect. But perhaps most striking is his insistence that this race isn’t just about policy—it’s about who’s willing to fight for New Yorkers without excuses or apologies.

“Four in the Race? Even Better.”

Sliwa wasted no time addressing the political landscape. “I got 28% last time in a two-person race,” he said. “If four of us run this time—and nobody drops out—I only need 32% to win. That’s math.”

He described a splintered field: incumbent Mayor Eric Adams mired in scandal and cratering poll numbers, former Governor Andrew Cuomo staging a comeback with heavy baggage, and Democratic Socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani surging in progressive circles. “Every time Adams and Cuomo squabble, Mamdani gains. They’re handing him the keys to Gracie Mansion.”

Sliwa brushed off accusations of being a perpetual candidate. “Trump ran three times for president. This is only my second run. But this time, I’m not just running as a Republican—I’ve got an independent line dedicated to animal rights. No-kill shelters, tougher penalties for abusers. That brings in voters who’d never touch a Republican ballot.”

Why Voter Apathy Has Fueled the Far Left

The 2025 race is historic in its tone and tension—but not, Sliwa warned, necessarily in turnout. “In the ’80s and ’90s, 60–70% of eligible voters cast ballots in mayoral races. Today, it’s barely 23%,” he explained. “And almost everyone is already registered. We’re not dealing with a registration problem—we’re dealing with apathy.”

That apathy, he argues, has allowed the Democratic Socialists to hijack the party’s base. “Moderate Democrats can’t even win their own primaries anymore. Their machines are rusted. They beg Republicans like me to switch registration just to stop people like AOC and Mamdani.”

Adams, Cuomo, and the “Crook vs. Commie” Illusion

Sliwa launched a blistering critique of the current and former Democratic front-runners.

On Mayor Adams: “He’s not just corrupt—he’s the most corrupt. And everyone sees it. When he dies of greed, they’ll need a Black & Decker power drill to screw him into the ground.”

On Cuomo: “On the street, people call him the guy who ‘slaps fannies and kills grannies.’ He’s never apologized for anything. No humility.”

And on the narrative that voters must choose between Adams or Mamdani, Sliwa was clear: “That’s a false binary. It’s how you hand the race to Mandami. I’m here to give New Yorkers a third option—a real one.”

Affordability: “The City Is Picking Your Pockets”

Turning to economic concerns, Sliwa lambasted what he calls the city’s endless nickel-and-diming of working families.

“We have red-light cameras, speed cameras, now they make you buy special garbage cans,” he said. “And congestion pricing? Total disaster. Manhattan businesses are dying, and no one feels safe on the subway, especially women.”

Sliwa proposes a bold property tax exemption: “If you’re 65 or older and earn under $100,000, you’ll pay zero property tax. That will stop the exodus of seniors to Florida.”

He also blasted the City of Yes initiative, claiming it’s designed to bulldoze one- and two-family homes in favor of high-rise developments with empty promises of affordability. “They’re targeting the outer boroughs with these 20- and 40-story monstrosities. Who’s backing this? Adams, Cuomo—and yes, Mandami.”

Safety: “Stop Waiting for Gentiles to Save You”

Sliwa’s message to the Jewish community—particularly Orthodox Jews concerned about rising antisemitic attacks—was strikingly blunt.

“Stop expecting Gentiles to protect you. We’ve failed you,” he said. “I’m not your messiah. You have Shmira, Shomrim, Jewish patrols. You need to organize, like Rabbi Kahane did with the JDL back in the day.”

He emphasized empowering community defense groups and restoring real consequences for street violence. “When mobs block streets, deface synagogues, or chant ‘from the river to the sea,’ the NYPD under Adams does nothing. There are rules for protests. Start enforcing them.”

Sliwa also called out the Department of Education: “$41 billion budget, and no mandatory anti-antisemitism curriculum in public schools? That’s inexcusable.”

School Choice, Yeshivah Education, and Getting Real About Standards

Sliwa pledged to fight for tuition tax credits and expand access to charter and parochial education.

He reflected on his own upbringing in Catholic schools and the monthly visits by state inspectors to ensure secular standards. “We weren’t taught catechism during math. The state checked in. Same should apply across the board.”

While praising Jewish dedication to education, he also raised concerns. “Some kids are learning Torah all day but can’t speak English. You need both. Torah and technology. Debate and literacy. You’ve got to be able to function in society.”

His concern extends beyond the yeshivah world. “In public schools, two-thirds of kids can’t read, write, or do math at grade level by fourth grade. What chance do they have?”

“Debate Mandami on Policy—Not on Religion”

In his final remarks, Sliwa warned fellow conservatives not to alienate Muslim voters or reduce politics to culture war name-calling.

“Keep religion out of it. The more you attack Mandami’s religion or culture, the more Muslims rally around him. There are a million Muslims in NYC—many of them conservative, many of them voted for Trump. But now they feel under siege.”

Instead, Sliwa urged New Yorkers to return to the arena of ideas. “Debate him on rent control. On crime. On education. Not on how he eats or dresses.”

His closing challenge to the Jewish community was equally unvarnished: “You are strong. Organized. Capable. Stop acting like victims. You will survive—but only if you depend on each other and stop expecting salvation from the outside.”

Watch the full interview with Curtis Sliwa—airing exclusively on BJL’s official platforms this week.