In 2025, Curtis Sliwa is once again entering the race for New York City’s mayor.
If you live in New York City, you’ve probably seen a man wearing a red beret helping people in the subway that’s – Curtis Sliwa.
A social worker, radio host, and now once again ready to run for mayor in 2025, Curtis’s life is filled with courage and service. So let’s know — Who is Curtis Sliwa? And along with that, let’s take a look at his biography, career, and personal life.
Who is Curtis Sliwa?
Curtis Sliwa is a social activist, Republican Party leader, and radio talk show host. He is the founder of the social organization “Guardian Angels”, known for preventing crimes in New York City’s subway and public places.
Ready to Challenge New York Again in 2025
Recently, Curtis Sliwa won the Republican primary election for NYC mayor by defeating his opponent Fernando Mateo. In 2021, Curtis ran for mayor for the first time against Democrat leader Eric Adams but lost. This time, he’s back with stronger intentions and will run for mayor again on November 4, 2025.His challengers this time:
- Zohran Mamdani (Democrat)
- Eric Adams (Current Mayor)
- Jim Walden (Independent)
Early Life: An Ordinary Boy, Extraordinary Thinking
Curtis Sliwa was born on March 26, 1954, in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York City, into a Roman Catholic working-class family. His parents were of Italian and Polish descent. His father, Keith Sliwa, worked in transit services, and his mother, Francesca Sliwa, was a homemaker.
He grew up with two siblings — an elder brother who was a source of inspiration and a younger sister close to his heart. The family taught values like discipline, honesty, and service.
Growing up in the streets of Canarsie, Curtis always leaned toward helping people. While other kids played, he was often seen solving problems or helping neighbors. These small seeds of kindness later led him to found a global volunteer organization like Guardian Angels.
Education
Curtis began his education at Brooklyn Preparatory School, a respected institution back then. But due to rule-breaking behavior, he was expelled. Though it was a setback, he didn’t give up and completed high school at Canarsie High School.
To support his family and prove himself responsible, he also delivered newspapers in the early mornings, even in the cold.
One day, when a nearby building caught fire, Curtis didn’t hesitate and helped many people escape safely. The media praised his bravery and honored him as “Newsboy of the Year,” and he even got a chance to visit the White House.
Guardian Angels: When Citizens Became Protectors
In 1977, when New York was burning in the fire of crime, drugs, and violence, Curtis formed a small group of 13 citizens — called “Magnificent 13”. These were regular people who started patrolling the subway to help passengers and stop criminals.
In 1979, the group was renamed Guardian Angels. Without weapons — only with courage and a spirit of service — they became the “guardian angels” of common people. Today, the organization works in over 130 cities worldwide.
The Voice of Radio That Connected People
In the early 1990s, when NYC was facing crime and political unrest, Curtis Sliwa became a radio host on major stations like WABC-AM. His style was direct, fearless, and always spoke the truth of the people.
His most popular show was Curtis & Kuby, co-hosted with lawyer and social activist Ron Kuby. Their debates were fiery yet thoughtful, and listeners stayed glued to every word.
Through radio, Curtis not only connected with New Yorkers but gave his thoughts and causes a wide platform. His voice still reminds people of the days when radio was not just entertainment, but a movement.
Political Journey
Curtis Sliwa didn’t enter politics the usual way — his journey came from years of fighting for regular people. In 2021, he ran for NYC mayor from the Republican Party. Unlike career politicians, Curtis came straight from the public.
His opponent was powerful Democrat Eric Adams, and although Curtis lost, he focused on public safety, fighting corruption, and citizen issues.
His political journey saw changes too. Though he began with the Republicans, from 2016 to 2020 he joined the Reform Party. But later, realizing the Republican platform matched his values better, he returned to it.
Personal Life: Relationships, Struggles, and Moving On
Curtis’s Sliwa personal life is like a book — full of chapters with new people, lessons, and emotions. He married four times, and each marriage had its own story.
1. Koren Drayton (First wife)
Married in 1976, this marriage ended in 1977. It was short-lived but marked the beginning of his journey through relationships.
2. Lisa Evers (Second wife)
Married on Dec 28, 1981 — she was also involved in Guardian Angels and trained in martial arts. They were together for 14 years, but separated in 1995.
3. Mary Galda / Paterson (Third wife)
Married in 2000, Mary was a former Guardian Angels director. They had a son named Anthony Chester Sliwa (born ~2004). This relationship also ended in 2012. Later, Mary married ex-Governor David Paterson.
4. Nancy Regula (Current wife)
Married on July 5, 2018. Nancy Regula is an animal rights activist and lawyer. The couple lives in Upper West Side, NYC, with over 15 rescued cats.
Other Relationships and Children
Curtis also had a relationship with Melinda Katz, a Queens District Attorney. Between 2012–2014, they had two children via IVF. However, the relationship ended by 2014. It even stirred controversy when ex-wife Mary claimed Curtis gave money to Melinda during their marriage.
Health and Family
Curtis’s true strength lies in his willpower. In 2010, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he revealed publicly in 2011. Even during illness, he didn’t stop working for the community. Today, Curtis and Nancy continue to provide a loving home to animals with no shelter — living with more than 15 cats.
Curtis Sliwa Net Worth and Identity
Curtis Sliwa’s net worth is estimated to be around $500K. Trusted sources like Celebrity Net Worth, Wealth Rector, PennBookCenter, and Live Sound Blog confirm this figure. Though VoxHour estimated $2 million in January 2024, most experts agree $500K is closer to reality. As a radio talk show host for over three decades on WABC‑AM and WNYM‑AM, Curtis became a voice people trusted. And Guardian Angels, the non-profit he founded, became not just a group — but a movement.
Conclusion: A Real City Hero
Curtis Sliwa’s life is a true example of courage, service, and struggle. His story shows that real change can happen — whether from inside the system or outside it. Without power, money, or privilege, he proved what selfless service really means.
What do you think — will Curtis win in 2025?
👇 Comment below what part of his life you found most inspiring.
FAQs about Curtis Sliwa Biography
1. Who is Curtis Sliwa?
Ans: Curtis Sliwa is a well-known radio talk show host and the founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime-fighting group. He gained fame for his work in community safety and media presence.
2. When was Curtis Sliwa born?
Ans: Curtis Sliwa was born on March 26, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, which influenced his passion for community safety.
3. What is the Guardian Angels?
Ans: The Guardian Angels is a citizen patrol group founded by Sliwa in 1979. They work to reduce crime in cities by patrolling neighborhoods and offering help to residents.
4. Has Curtis Sliwa held any political roles?
Ans: Yes, Sliwa ran for Mayor of New York City in 2021. He is not a politician by profession but is active in local politics and public safety issues.
5. How did Curtis Sliwa become famous?
Ans: He became famous for starting the Guardian Angels and for his outspoken radio shows. His work in crime prevention and media appearances made him a well-known figure.
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