Curtis Sliwa is back in the spotlight, not just as the founder of the Guardian Angels or a familiar voice on crime, but as a 2025 candidate for New York City mayor. Known for his red beret, bold words, and subway patrols, Sliwa is once again asking New Yorkers for their vote. However, with his controversial past and recent missteps, the question remains: Should Curtis Sliwa be taken seriously as a mayoral contender?

Sliwa first ran for mayor in 2021 as the Republican nominee and lost to Democrat Eric Adams. At the time, many dismissed him as more of a protest candidate than a serious political figure. Now, he is running again; this time with more public safety concerns driving voter interest. And with Democrats appearing divided and struggling with rising disorder complaints, Sliwa believes his moment has come.

However, his history is complicated.

In February 2024, Sliwa’s Guardian Angels made national headlines after a troubling live TV incident. During a Fox News interview in Times Square, members of the group tackled a man, accusing him of being a migrant involved in shoplifting. Sliwa, standing beside Sean Hannity, boasted, “We just took down one of the migrant guys.” It later turned out the man was a Bronx resident, not a migrant, and there was no evidence of theft. Critics called the move reckless and dangerous, sparking accusations of racial profiling and street vigilantism. The NYPD issued a warning about citizens taking the law into their own hands, and civil rights advocates questioned Sliwa’s leadership.

This was not an isolated incident. Back in the early 1990s, Sliwa admitted to staging multiple events involving the Guardian Angels, including fake subway rescues, to get media attention. While some still credit him for creating a visible anti-crime force during a time of crisis, others say the fabricated stories damaged his credibility long-term.

Despite the controversy, Sliwa remains a skilled communicator with deep name recognition. He has been a radio host for decades, walking the line between populist firebrand and urban watchdog. Supporters argue that while his methods may be bold or brash, his message, especially around public safety, resonates with working-class and outer-borough voters who feel ignored by City Hall.

Former Governor George Pataki recently suggested that Sliwa could have a real shot in 2025, given how discontent many New Yorkers are with the city’s direction. He said Sliwa “knows the streets better than anyone” and “isn’t afraid to say what others won’t.”

However, name recognition is not the same as leadership experience. Sliwa has never held public office, and his political platform has often lacked details beyond crime prevention. Critics argue he is more performance than policy; more reaction than reason.

Still, Sliwa’s run for mayor is not a joke, and in 2025, it may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed. If crime continues to dominate the conversation and voters feel traditional politicians are falling short, his message could break through.

So, should New Yorkers take Curtis Sliwa seriously as a mayoral candidate? That depends on what kind of leadership they want. If it is a hands-on, old-school, street-level crusader against crime, he fits the mold. If it is a careful policymaker with a balanced vision for housing, jobs, and infrastructure, Sliwa still has a lot to prove.