Rudy Giuliani Makes His Pick in Heated New York City Mayor Race [WATCH]

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced his endorsement of Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa for mayor on Monday night, publicly rejecting former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s independent campaign and criticizing Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, as reported by The New York Post.

“Here’s my choice: 100 percent Curtis Sliwa,” Giuliani said during his podcast on X while Sliwa appeared as a guest. The 81-year-old former mayor and Trump attorney said he was confident Sliwa was the best candidate to “restore leadership and law and order” to the city.

I’m proud to endorse my friend, Curtis Sliwa, for Mayor of New York City.

Curtis is a New Yorker’s New Yorker with more experience fighting crime and caring for the vulnerable than all the other candidates combined.

Join me in supporting Curtis Sliwa for Mayor of New York City. https://t.co/sgmqOkvell pic.twitter.com/WHrc5qLZH7

— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) October 7, 2025

Giuliani criticized Cuomo’s campaign strategy and his record as governor, saying he “ran a terrible campaign” and “lost to a 33-year-old,” referencing Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year.

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“He’s also a governor who resigned in disgrace,” Giuliani said, referring to Cuomo’s 2021 resignation following multiple sexual harassment allegations, which Cuomo has denied.

Giuliani also revisited Cuomo’s March 25, 2020, directive that required nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals during the height of the pandemic.

“The policy led to the deaths of many, many elderly people who were put in nursing homes and didn’t belong there,” Giuliani said, pointing to the camera and adding, “Blame it on him.”

He also faulted Cuomo for the state’s 2019 bail reform law, which critics say allowed repeat offenders to be released without bail, and for policies that made it easier for convicted cop killers to be granted parole. “The guy who passed these laws is Andrew Cuomo,” Giuliani said.

Turning his attention to Mamdani, Giuliani described the Queens assemblyman and Democratic Socialist of America member as an “avowed communist.” “He prefers Islamic extremism over America. He prefers Marxist communism over America,” Giuliani said.

He condemned Mamdani’s previous statements labeling the New York Police Department “racist.” “You better get on your knees and apologize for calling them racists! You bum,” Giuliani said, adding that such comments were “unforgivable and disqualifying.”

Giuliani revealed that he had faced pressure, including from some Republicans and personal acquaintances, to endorse Cuomo in order to prevent Mamdani from winning City Hall. However, he said he would not compromise his principles.

“I backed Mario Cuomo in 1994,” Giuliani said, referring to his endorsement of the former governor’s father, “but this is different. You’ve got to stand for what’s right.”

Giuliani’s endorsement gives Sliwa a significant boost among Republican and conservative voters in the city, many of whom still view Giuliani favorably for his record as mayor from 1994 to 2001.

Sliwa praised Giuliani in response, calling him “New York’s greatest mayor” and pledging to be “Giuliani 2.0.”

America’s Mayor Live (771): Mayor Rudy Giuliani Endorses Curtis Sliwa for Mayor of New York City https://t.co/h0ZJafS364

— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) October 7, 2025

Sliwa faces Mamdani and Cuomo in a heated three-way race for mayor. Giuliani’s support marks a setback for Cuomo, who has been attempting to attract crossover votes from right-leaning New Yorkers.

Although President Trump has not endorsed Sliwa, Giuliani’s public backing is expected to energize GOP voters as the November election approaches.

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