Candidate Sliwa Claims He Was Offered Bribe to Drop Out of New York Mayoral Race

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September 24, 2025

NYC Mayoral Candidate Claims Wealthy Individuals Offered Funds to Exit Race

New York City Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa has publicly stated that he has received at least seven overtures from representatives of affluent individuals offering significant sums of money in exchange for his withdrawal from the current mayoral election. Sliwa characterized these propositions as both unethical and unlawful.

Allegations of Financial Interference

According to Sliwa, the offers originated from “emissaries” acting on behalf of unidentified wealthy New Yorkers. The Guardian Angels founder asserts that he has consistently rebuffed these attempts to influence the outcome of the election. He has warned that should further such offers be made, he will publicly disclose the identities of those involved, as reported by WNBC.

Sliwa firmly declared his unwavering commitment to remaining in the race through election day, November 4th.”Cross my heart and hope to die,” he told WNBC, emphasizing his resolve.

Political Context and Potential Motivations

The allegations surface amidst a complex political landscape. President Donald Trump previously suggested that both Sliwa and current Mayor Eric Adams consider withdrawing, perhaps paving the way for a direct contest between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.Trump has been openly critical of Mamdani, labeling him a “communist.”

Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist and currently leads in recent polls, with Cuomo trailing significantly. Adams and Sliwa are currently polling further behind, according to the latest data.

Recent campaign finance reports reveal a significant disparity in fundraising between the candidates, with Mamdani benefiting from a surge in small-dollar donations and cuomo relying heavily on contributions from established donors.

Candidate	Total Funds raised (as of Sept 2025)	Source of Funding
Zohran Mamdani	$8.2 Million	Small-Dollar Donations (65%),PACs (35%)
Andrew Cuomo	$6.5 Million	Large Individual Donations (70%), Corporate PACs (30%)
Eric Adams	$4.1 Million	Labor unions (40%), Real Estate Interests (30%), Individual Donations (30%)
curtis Sliwa	$1.9 Million	Individual Donations (80%), Self-Funding (20%)

Did You Know? Campaign finance laws in New York City are among the most stringent in the nation, with strict limits on individual and corporate contributions.

Pro Tip: Always verify candidate financial disclosures through official sources like the New York City Campaign Finance Board.

The Role of Money in Politics

The influence of money in political campaigns is a long-standing concern in the United States. Studies by organizations such as the Brennan Center for Justice consistently demonstrate a correlation between campaign contributions and policy outcomes. the ability of wealthy individuals and corporations to fund campaigns raises questions about fairness and equal access to the political process. The debate over campaign finance reform continues,with proponents advocating for stricter regulations and opponents arguing that such measures infringe upon free speech rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the legal implications of offering money to a candidate to drop out of a race? This could constitute illegal campaign interference and potentially bribery, depending on the specifics of the offer and intent.
• What is Curtis Sliwa’s current standing in the polls? Sliwa is currently trailing significantly behind the other candidates, with recent polls indicating limited support.
• What role is Donald Trump playing in the NYC mayoral election? Trump has publicly expressed his preference for a one-on-one race between Cuomo and Mamdani.
• How dose campaign finance impact election outcomes? Campaign finance can influence election outcomes by providing candidates with resources to reach voters and shape public opinion.
• Where can I find more information about the NYC mayoral election? You can find comprehensive coverage and candidate information on the New York City Board of Elections website.

What are your thoughts on the influence of wealthy donors in political elections? Do you believe stricter campaign finance regulations are necessary? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What potential legal ramifications could arise from offering a bribe to a political candidate, considering both state and federal laws?

The Allegations: A Developing story in New York politics

Republican mayoral candidate curtis Sliwa has publicly alleged he was offered a bribe to withdraw from the 2021 new York City mayoral race. The claims, made in late September 2021, center around an alleged offer made through an intermediary, promising financial benefits in exchange for Sliwa stepping aside and effectively handing the election to Democratic candidate Eric Adams. This story continues to resurface as a case study in political ethics and campaign finance.

Details of the Alleged Bribe

Sliwa claims the offer came from someone connected to real estate interests. While he hasn’t publicly named the individual, he detailed the proposition involved a ample sum of money – reportedly seven figures – and potential future buisness opportunities.

* the Intermediary: Sliwa stated the offer was not made directly but relayed through a third party. This complicates the inquiry, as establishing direct contact and intent becomes more challenging.

* Financial Incentive: The core of the alleged bribe was a notable financial payout,designed to compensate Sliwa for abandoning his campaign.

* Future Opportunities: Beyond immediate funds,the offer reportedly included promises of future business ventures,potentially leveraging connections within the real estate sector.

* Reporting to Authorities: Sliwa maintains he immediately reported the alleged bribe attempt to the New York City Department of Investigation and the FBI.

Investigation and official Responses

Following Sliwa’s public accusations, both the New York City Department of Investigation and the FBI confirmed they were looking into the matter. However, as of September 24, 2025, no formal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

* NYC Department of Investigation: The DOI has the authority to investigate corruption and misconduct within city government and related entities. Their involvement signals the seriousness of the allegations.

* FBI Involvement: The FBI’s participation suggests potential federal crimes may have been committed, such as bribery or campaign finance violations.

* Eric Adams’ Response: Then-candidate Eric Adams publicly called for a thorough investigation and stated he had no knowledge of any such offer. He emphasized his commitment to a fair and transparent election.

* lack of Concrete Evidence (as of 2025): Despite the investigations, publicly available information suggests a lack of definitive proof to substantiate Sliwa’s claims.This doesn’t necessarily negate the allegations, but it highlights the difficulty in proving such offenses.

Campaign Finance Laws and Bribery in New York

New York state has strict campaign finance laws designed to prevent corruption and ensure fair elections.Offering a bribe to a candidate is a serious offense with potentially severe consequences.

* New York election Law: Specifically addresses illegal contributions and expenditures, including those intended to influence a candidate’s decision to run or withdraw from a race.

* Federal Bribery Statutes: If the alleged bribe involved federal funds or impacted a federal election, federal bribery statutes could also apply.

* penalties for Bribery: Conviction for bribery can result in significant fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from holding public office.

* Reporting requirements: Candidates and campaign staff are legally obligated to report any suspected illegal activity to the appropriate authorities.

The Role of Real Estate in New York City Politics

The alleged involvement of real estate interests in the bribe attempt highlights the significant influence of the real estate industry in New York City politics.

* lobbying Efforts: Real estate developers and industry groups are major contributors to political campaigns and spend heavily on lobbying efforts to influence policy decisions.

* Zoning and Progress Regulations: Zoning laws and development regulations are crucial for real estate companies, making them a key area of political focus.

* Campaign Contributions: Large campaign donations from real estate interests raise concerns about potential quid pro quo arrangements and undue influence.

* Past Controversies: New York City has a history of controversies involving real estate developers and their connections to politicians.

Sliwa’s Political Career and Previous Controversies

Curtis Sliwa is a long-time New York City personality and political figure, known for founding the Guardian Angels civilian safety patrol. His career has been marked by both public service and controversy.

* Guardian angels Founder: Sliwa gained prominence in the 1970s and 80s as the founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer patrol group aimed at combating crime.

* radio Host: He has a long career as a conservative radio talk show host, providing a platform for his political views.

* Previous Mayoral Runs: Sliwa previously ran for mayor in 1993 and 2013, unsuccessfully.

* Controversial Statements: Throughout his career, Sliwa has been criticized for making controversial and often inflammatory statements.

Implications for Future Elections

The Sliwa allegations, even without a definitive resolution, raise vital questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for undue influence in New York City politics.

* Increased Scrutiny: The incident is highly likely to lead to increased scrutiny of campaign finance