GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa boldly stated Tuesday there’s a “real probability” he could be New York City’s next mayor – insisting incumbent Eric Adams’ independent run and simmering anger in the outer-boroughs could lead to his shocking victory.
The Guardian Angels founder is betting on a fragmented general election – that could feature as many as four viable candidates – and frustration from voters over migrant shelters, unaffordability, crime and radically changing neighborhoods through the City of Yes housing initiative.
“I know Republicans are going to support me so I can be the next mayor of the City of New York,” Sliwa, 71, told The Post during an editorial board meeting.
“Eric Adams going to the independent route has made that a real probability and we’re working hard.”
Adams announced last week he was forgoing the Democratic primary in late June and instead run for reelection through a longshot independent bid after his criminal case was outright dismissed.
Sliwa, who wore his trademark red beret along with a pressed suit during the meeting with The Post, said the development could lead to at least four candidates competing in the general election — himself, the winner of the Democratic primary, a Working Families Party pick and Adams.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a stark lead in the polls ahead of the primary while lefty Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has been in second, but could snag the WFP line if he loses in June.
Sliwa, the diehard cat lover who unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2021, believes he has the opportunity to scoop up moderate Democrats and independent voters, along with a GOP base, outside of Manhattan.
He has been a vocal opponent of migrant shelters across the city and sounded the alarm over crime rates in Gotham. Part of his public safety platform includes adding 7,000 more cops while sharply criticizing progressive policies tied to the criminal justice system — similar to Adams.
Sliwa said he’s spoken to many fed-up locals who are ready to leave the city in part because of Adams’ sweeping City of Yes project, which would overhaul zoning regulations to create tens of thousands of new homes.
“I know I talked to these groups every day … They got one foot out the door,” he said.
Sliwa is the recognizable face of the Guardian Angels volunteer crime prevention clan that’s often seen patrolling subways.
Despite the longtime community activist’s optimism, the candidate has anemic fundraising numbers and is running in a city where Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans.
Director of Marist University Institute for Public Opinion Lee Miringoff offered a reality check to Sliwa even if it’s a multi-candidate race.
“It’s plausible but a lot of things would have to break his way,” Miringoff told The Post. “There’s a scenario but it’s a long shot.”
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