Bill Ackman Urges Curtis Sliwa to Withdraw from NYC Mayoral Race for Democratic Prospects

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman is injecting himself into the New York City mayoral race, asserting that Republican Curtis Sliwa’s decision to remain a candidate significantly boosts the chances of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. According to prediction market data, Mamdani’s likelihood of victory now stands at a staggering 90%.

Ackman’s Concerns Over Sliwa’s Impact

Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, emphasizes that Sliwa’s continued participation in the race undermines the Republican position, ultimately aiding Mamdani’s campaign.

On Friday, Ackman shared updated Polymarket odds on X, revealing that Mamdani’s prospects are markedly better than those of former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Sliwa. The data indicates a shift in momentum favoring Mamdani, largely attributed to Sliwa’s announcement that he had no intention of withdrawing from the race.

“It wasn’t just Mamdani’s performance in the debate that altered the odds. Rather, it was Sliwa’s refusal to step down that has given Mamdani a significant edge,” Ackman expressed in a post on X.

The Dynamics of the Campaign

Sliwa has publicly committed to remaining in the race, asserting that his candidacy gives Republicans a voice in the upcoming election. His campaign team provided an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, pushing back against Ackman’s call for him to exit.

Maria Sliwa, spokesperson for the campaign, stated, “Billionaires shouldn’t determine the outcome of elections. It’s about the voters, the people. They deserve the final say.” She also underscored the importance of choice for Republican voters, pointing out that Sliwa represents their interests.

Challenges Facing Andrew Cuomo’s Independent Bid

While Sliwa makes his case, Ackman has previously endorsed Cuomo’s independent bid, urging Sliwa to step aside to enhance Cuomo’s chances. Sliwa’s campaign reiterates that his aim is to give voters an authentic Republican option.

Sliwa’s spokeswoman added, “Cuomo lost as a Democrat in the primary. His run as an independent does not change that fact, while Curtis is firmly on the ballot for Republicans.”

Ackman’s High-Profile Intervention

Ackman’s foray into local politics is relatively rare for someone of his stature, indicating the high stakes associated with the upcoming election. This involvement has sparked interest in Polymarket, a prediction market site where users speculate on political outcomes.

Some analysts argue that Sliwa’s presence in the race complicates matters for Republicans. Polls suggest that without Sliwa, Cuomo could significantly narrow the gap between himself and Mamdani. Conversely, Sliwa’s team is skeptical that his supporters would shift their allegiance to Cuomo.

The Spoiler Effect Debate

Cuomo recently criticized Sliwa on WABC radio, asserting that his campaign might inadvertently benefit Mamdani. He warned Republicans that loyalty to Sliwa could jeopardize their chances in the election.

“Curtis can’t win,” Cuomo stated. “It’s essential to recognize that no Republican or Democrat put Curtis on the ballot — he was selected by party leaders as a spoiler candidate. They seemingly hope for a Mamdani win.”

Cuomo’s statements reflect the mounting pressure Sliwa faces as the election approaches. He contends that Sliwa’s candidacy ultimately acts as a barrier to Republican success in this politically charged environment.

Implications for the City

The 2025 NYC mayoral race has attracted unprecedented national attention. Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens, would become the city’s first Muslim mayor if elected. His campaign enjoys the backing of prominent figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.

Cuomo, aged 65 and running independently after resigning as governor, positions himself as a centrist capable of navigating this challenging political landscape. Following the exit of Mayor Eric Adams from the race, Cuomo has gained traction in polling.

Sliwa’s Position on Crime and Quality of Life

With roots in public safety, Sliwa, 69, is known for founding the Guardian Angels patrol group. His campaign focuses on issues related to crime and quality of life, aiming to resonate with voters concerned about safety in NYC. In the previous mayoral election, he garnered 27% of the votes.

Political Prediction Markets Heat Up

Ackman’s involvement has ignited significant interest in Polymarket, where individuals wager on political outcomes. Trading volume for the NYC mayoral race has exceeded $190 million, indicating the intense competitive spirit surrounding this local election.

As the election date approaches, voters are set to head to the polls on November 4. Insights from Polymarket reveal how Ackman’s analysis has resonated within the community, stimulating a flurry of trading activity.

Looking Ahead

With the stakes increasingly high, the discourse between candidates is expected to heat up in the coming weeks. How Sliwa, Cuomo, and Mamdani navigate the challenges posed by each other’s campaigns may prove decisive in shaping the future of New York City.

In a rapidly changing political landscape, one thing remains clear: voters will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this election.