Billionaire John Castimatidis, WABC Radio and Red Apple Media CEO, publicly urged Republican New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa to drop out of the race.

Catsimatidis, a Republican who launched his own mayoral campaign in 2013, cited concerns “that Sliwa’s continued candidacy could split the vote and inadvertently help another candidate.”

“Catsimatidis said the move is essential to consolidating support behind a ‘viable alternative’ and avoiding what he described as a potentially damaging outcome for the city if the vote remains divided,” the release said. 

BILL ACKMAN JUMPS INTO NYC MAYORAL FIGHT, SAYS SLIWA MUST DROP OR ‘WE ARE TOAST’

Independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, left, speaks during a mayoral debate with Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, center, and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York City. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)

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Sliwa is currently on a leave of absence from WABC Radio, where he has worked for decades, while running for NYC mayor. 

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.