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Former Long Island Congressman George Santos has suggested he may leave New York City if Democratic Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race. Santos shared his concerns on social media about the potential safety implications of a Mamdani victory for the city he has long considered home.
As the election approaches, Santos expressed his worries on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “It seems my family and I will have to consider leaving the city I love if Mamdani is elected. The risk of living in a city under his leadership is one I cannot accept, especially as I look to expand my family.” His statement emphasizes his belief that Mamdani’s policies could lead to a less secure New York.
The current political landscape
Recent polling indicates that Mamdani has a significant lead over his opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Instead of endorsing a specific candidate, Santos has urged Sliwa to collaborate with Cuomo for the sake of the city’s future, reflecting a desire for unity among those opposed to Mamdani’s platform.
A plea for coalition
Santos’s appeal for a coalition was made with urgency as he urged Sliwa to reconsider his campaign strategy. “I pray that God will illuminate the mind of Curtis Sliwa and encourage him to join forces with Cuomo to protect New York City from what I believe could be a Marxist disaster,” he wrote.
This statement underscores the tension within the Republican Party and the broader implications of the upcoming mayoral election.
Despite facing backlash on social media for supporting Cuomo, Santos defended his stance, citing his recent absence from political discussions due to his imprisonment.
“I know Cuomo has a controversial past, but my opinions are grounded in the current polling trends,” he stated. His comments have sparked a discussion about the city’s future leadership.
Sliwa’s determination
In response to Santos’s suggestions, Curtis Sliwa firmly rejected the notion of withdrawing from the race.
At a press conference in the Upper West Side, he declared, “I will not be stepping down under any circumstances.” His resolve to continue his campaign is evident, as he revealed that he turned down a lucrative offer to exit the race.
Resisting outside influence
Sliwa, who claims to have been offered up to $10 million to leave the race, criticized the role of wealthy donors in the electoral process. He raised concerns about how these financial backers have influenced the political landscape, reaffirming his commitment to his candidacy despite their attempts to sway him. “The billionaires have consistently led us astray,” he asserted, emphasizing that their interests do not align with those of the average New Yorker.
Aftermath of Santos’s release
These developments follow Santos’s recent release from prison after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos served only 84 days of his original seven-year sentence, and upon his release, he expressed gratitude toward Trump, stating he had been given a second chance.
In an effort to reestablish his public persona, Santos has started engaging with audiences through Cameo, offering personalized messages to fans. His return to social media has been characterized by humor, as evidenced by his first Cameo video: “George Santos, fresh out of prison break.” This move signifies his intention to reconnect with supporters and regain visibility in the public sphere.
While Santos has not revealed his potential relocation plans should Mamdani win, his comments reflect broader concerns regarding New York City’s future under leadership he views as risky. The upcoming election is set to be a crucial moment for the city, as candidates prepare for a competitive race.
