In a week marked by grit, energy, and unmistakable outer-borough pride, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa brought his campaign straight to the neighborhoods he says have been ignored for too long.
With three fundraisers in Queens — in Maspeth, Howard Beach, and Whitestone — Sliwa energized loyal supporters, drew new backers, and sent a clear message: his campaign isn’t powered by party elites or big donors in Manhattan, but by the people of the outerboroughs.
While prominent Democrats jockey for position in a crowded and expensive primary field, Sliwa, facing no primary opponent, is quietly and steadily raising funds to qualify for the city’s matching funds program. “I’m keeping my powder dry,” he told supporters. “They can blow millions tearing each other apart. I’m building a movement with small donations and big hearts. The outer boroughs are rising.”
In Maspeth, longtime resident and civic leader Alicia Vaichunas hosted a fundraiser at the Clinton Hill Palace, where Sliwa was greeted by a strong local crowd, which also included Queens GOP Chairman Tony Nunziato. Not only Vaichunas, Deputy Chief of Staff to outgoing NYC councilman Bob Holden and Republican NYC council candidate to replace him, but also in attendance, her Democrat opponent Phil Wong, who also works for Holden as Constituent Services & Budget Director. Holden heads up Democrats for Sliwa as part of his campaign contingent.
The evening took an unexpected turn when a fire erupted across the street — sparked, he said, by an illegal RV where squatters had jury-rigged an electrical setup. The blaze quickly spread to the site of the old GoodFellas Diner.
“We cannot have RVs lining our streets and people living in them full time. It’s dangerous. This fire could’ve taken lives,” Sliwa told attendees, using the incident to spotlight what he calls a breakdown of basic city enforcement. “When I’m mayor, I’ll make sure the law is enforced and quality of life is restored. No more RV encampments. No more chaos.”
He spoke passionately about his deep roots in the city, his years of service with the Guardian Angels, and the neglect he says working-class neighborhoods have suffered under Democratic administrations. “I’ve been in all 350 neighborhoods of this city. These other candidates don’t even know there are that many. I’m out there every day — on the subways, on the streets, listening to real people, not donors in corner offices.”
Two nights later in Howard Beach, Sliwa was joined by radio powerhouse Sid Rosenberg at a private gathering hosted by Jennifer DiLandro, CEO of Dolce Aesthetics. Rosenberg, a longtime friend and colleague, introduced Sliwa with typical flair. “This man is battle-tested,” he said. “He’s already the most popular candidate, but he needs the resources to compete with these animals who’ve got millions. Let’s give Curtis a chance to win — and save this city.”
Sliwa echoed that theme. “This isn’t about politics as usual. I’m not bought and paid for. I’ve been fighting for this city for nearly 50 years. And I’m the only one talking about the things that matter: crime, housing, quality of life, and the survival of our neighborhoods.”
He railed against the controversial City of Yes initiative, lithium-ion battery warehouse projects being built near schools, and the sheltering of migrants in residential communities — issues that have sparked outrage in neighborhoods like Howard Beach. “Enough is enough,” he said. “They dump everything on us — shelters, [lithium-ion battery] warehouses, chaos. That ends on Day One. We’re taking our city back.”
The final stop in the Queens fundraising swing came in Whitestone, where Councilwoman Vickie Paladino hosted a boisterous crowd at the Whitestone Republican Club. More than 200 people turned out in support of Sliwa, packing the venue with applause, cheers, and shared conviction, showing that the people are ready to take back New York City.
“Curtis has never abandoned us,” Paladino said. “He has shown up for us again and again. It’s time we show up for him.”
Sliwa, clearly moved by the turnout, called it “an incredible night in Whitestone” and praised Paladino and the community for their passion. “We’re building real momentum. We’re going to fix this city and make it work for everyone — not just the rich, not just the insiders. This is a campaign fueled by people power.” “While all the other candidates are up in the suites at a $1,000 per plate fundraiser, I’m in the streets listening to the ordinary every day New Yorkers,” he continued.
While others chase headlines and endorsements, Sliwa is betting on the boroughs. “They ignore us until they want our vote. I’ve never stopped showing up. When I become mayor, it won’t just be a win for me — it’ll be a win for every block, every borough, and every New Yorker who’s tired of being forgotten.”
