Former aides of the legendary Mayor Rudy Giuliani are throwing their support behind Andrew Cuomo for mayor, sidelining the GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa. This is not just a surprising twist; it’s a stark reality check for those still clinging to outdated loyalties.
Joe Lhota, previously a key deputy under Giuliani and the Republican candidate for mayor in 2013, has made his position clear: “It’s a choice between a proven manager, a socialist, and a fruit loop.” Lhota, who once stood proudly as a Republican, has abandoned that identity in favor of backing Cuomo. His conclusion is unequivocal: “Of course I’m going to be with Andrew.”
Anthony Carbonetti, another stalwart of the Giuliani era, is also rallying behind Cuomo. Despite previously supporting Sliwa, Carbonetti recognizes the urgent need to unite against the rising tide of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. “Curtis can only play spoiler,” he admonishes, firmly stating, “I don’t want a socialist in charge of a $116 billion city budget.” His concerns are emblematic of the dire stakes at hand.
To complicate matters further, former U.S. Attorney General Mike Mukasey—no stranger to Republican loyalty—has endorsed Cuomo, emphasizing the need to safeguard the city from irreversible damage that a Mamdani victory could bring. Mukasey’s decades-long commitment to the GOP hasn’t dimmed his judgment in this crucial moment: “Cuomo is the most viable alternative to Mamdani.” His voice resonates with urgency in an ever-evolving political landscape.
Even President Trump has weighed in, dismissing Sliwa as “not exactly prime time” and suggesting Cuomo stands a better chance against “communist” Mamdani. This coalition of former Republicans rallying behind Cuomo underscores a significant shift in political dynamics.
While Sliwa’s campaign attempts to downplay these endorsements, claiming Lhota’s switch to Democrat is irrelevant, the reality remains: the clock is ticking, and the stakes are alarmingly high. Polls may show Mamdani with a lead, but that number is far from secure as the election approaches. This is a battle for the soul of New York City, and the time for complacency is over.
