NYC Mayoral Race: Donors Seek to Move Sliwa to Trump Administration
Plan aims to open Republican nomination for Mayor Adams in race against Mamdani
According to sources, prominent donors are reportedly working to secure Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa a position in the Trump Administration. This effort aims to remove Sliwa from New York City's mayoral race, potentially opening the Republican nomination for current Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent. The strategy involves creating an opportunity for Adams to consolidate support from both independent and Republican voters against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
The reported plan would require Sliwa to leave New York State, which would create a vacancy in the Republican nomination. Republican borough leaders, including city council members and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, would then need to select Adams as the replacement nominee. Sliwa, who ran as the Republican nominee in 2021, received 27.8% of the vote in that election, representing a significant voting bloc that could benefit Adams if consolidated.
KEY POINTS
- •Donors seek Trump job for Sliwa
- •Plan would open GOP slot for Adams
- •NYC race features three-way contest
Mayor Adams has reportedly shown willingness to engage with Republicans, appearing on Fox News programs and working with the Trump Administration on immigration enforcement matters. Sources indicate Adams recently reached an agreement with the Trump Administration regarding Department of Justice charges, though specific details were not provided. The mayor has been actively seeking to rebuild support among business leaders following the Democratic primary.
The situation presents several complications, including Sliwa's contract with WABC radio and his past critical comments about former President Trump, despite voting for him in 2024. WABC owner John Catsimatidis indicated he would not prevent Sliwa from accepting a federal position. Political strategist Hank Sheinkopf noted that incumbent first-term mayors have historically maintained strong positions in New York City elections.
This potential party-switching strategy has precedent in New York City politics, with former Mayor Michael Bloomberg having left the Democratic field in 2001 to secure the Republican nomination before winning the general election. The current electoral dynamics feature Adams positioned between Sliwa on the right and Mamdani, characterized as representing the left wing of the Democratic party, in the upcoming November election.