Key Takeaways:
- Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race with 50.4% of the vote.
- Many MAGA supporters blame Curtis Sliwa for splitting the Republican vote.
- Even if all Sliwa’s voters chose Cuomo, Mamdani still would have won.
- Online attacks targeted Curtis Sliwa, calling him a traitor and coward.
- The backlash may shape Sliwa’s future in Republican politics.
Curtis Sliwa Faces MAGA Backlash After NYC Vote
Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s mayoral race on Tuesday night. He defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani scored 50.4% of the vote, while Cuomo trailed with 41.6%. Curtis Sliwa received just 7.1%. Many MAGA supporters believe Sliwa spoiled the election by drawing votes away from Cuomo. As a result, he faced fierce anger on social media. Even a former congressman used harsh words. This upset shows the deep frustration within parts of the Republican base after a big loss.
Why MAGA Supporters Blame Curtis Sliwa
Many MAGA loyalists saw Curtis Sliwa as a spoiler. Polls had shown Cuomo as the only Republican who could challenge Mamdani. However, the three-way race split GOP votes. Consequently, Cuomo fell short. Still, numbers reveal that even if every Sliwa voter chose Cuomo, Mamdani would have won. Therefore, the anger at Curtis Sliwa seems linked more to frustration than to math. Yet, some see him as a traitor to conservative values. They argue he should have dropped out to back Cuomo. This view fueled heated posts online and at watch parties.
Social Media Erupts Against Curtis Sliwa
After the results, social media users attacked Curtis Sliwa nonstop. On X, former congressman George Santos wrote, “F— you Curtis Sliwa! I HATE YOU, your dumb wife, that stupid Beret of yours and all your f—— cats!” Others agreed. One user with over 260,000 followers said they never wanted to hear from Curtis Sliwa again. Meanwhile, sports broadcaster Charly Arnolt called him a coward and a disgrace. She wrote that he did not deserve to walk the streets of New York City. Such posts quickly went viral, showing how upset many felt.
Chaos even broke out at Cuomo’s watch party. Video footage showed an attendee shouting, “Curtis Sliwa threw this election, shame on you! You will never be loved in New York City again!” This moment illustrated the raw anger aimed at Sliwa. Many felt he betrayed the party by staying in the race. Yet, others argued that voters made their own choices. They claimed it was unfair to blame one person for the outcome.
Could Votes Have Changed the Outcome?
Some wonder if things might have been different without Curtis Sliwa in the race. In theory, his 7.1% of votes could have swung to Cuomo. Still, math tells a clear story. Cuomo would have reached 48.7%, still behind Mamdani’s 50.4%. Thus, even a united GOP vote likely could not have stopped Mamdani. Moreover, some Sliwa supporters say they would not have backed Cuomo. They point to policy differences and personal loyalty to Sliwa. Therefore, while his candidacy complicated the race, it did not change the final result.
What Comes Next for Curtis Sliwa?
Now, Curtis Sliwa must face intense scrutiny within his own party. Many MAGA figures say he is unwelcome in future GOP events. Some suggest he should switch parties or retire from politics entirely. However, Sliwa has a loyal local base. He founded a well-known neighborhood patrol group decades ago. His supporters argue he brought important community issues to the debate. They say it is unfair to ostracize him. As a result, Sliwa may dig in for a comeback. Yet, he will need to rebuild bridges within his own party.
Lessons for Future Races
This episode offers lessons for any multi-candidate contest. First, splitting votes can create unintended spoilers. Second, party unity often matters more than individual ambitions. Third, social media can magnify backlash in minutes. Finally, even a small candidate can have a big impact on public debates. Future hopefuls should weigh these factors carefully before filing candidacy papers.
In the end, Zohran Mamdani’s win shines light on internal GOP tensions. The rage against Curtis Sliwa underscores a broader fight over strategy and loyalty. It remains to be seen if Sliwa can mend ties or if he will become a cautionary tale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did many MAGA supporters blame Curtis Sliwa?
Many MAGA fans felt Sliwa split the Republican vote, making it harder for Cuomo to beat Mamdani.
Could the election have changed without Curtis Sliwa?
Even if Sliwa voters switched to Cuomo, Cuomo still needed more support to overtake Mamdani.
What did George Santos say about Curtis Sliwa?
He posted harsh insults on social media, calling Sliwa names and blaming him for the loss.
Will Curtis Sliwa run again?
It is unclear. He faces backlash but also has loyal supporters who urge him to stay in politics.
