Who is "Curtis Sliwa?"

**Curtis Sliwa: From Guardian Angel to Political Force for the People**

Curtis Sliwa, best known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, has long stood as a bold figure of grassroots activism, community protection, and civic pride. Now, as a candidate for mayor, Sliwa is taking his decades of street-level engagement and transforming it into a platform for political change rooted in transparency, safety, and service to the people.

Sliwa launched the Guardian Angels in 1979 in the heart of New York City’s most dangerous era. With no weapons, no pay, and no political backing, he and his group of red-bereted volunteers patrolled subways and neighborhoods to deter crime and empower citizens. The group has since expanded internationally, but its mission has remained the same: community-based safety and vigilance. Curtis’ dedication to urban safety made him a symbol of proactive leadership and accountability before those concepts became political buzzwords.

Transitioning into politics, Sliwa has infused his campaign with the same tenacity and community-first mindset. His platform prioritizes public safety, affordable housing, support for small businesses, and cleaning up political corruption. As an independent voice who has never shied away from controversy or hard truths, Sliwa’s approach to governance rejects traditional party politics and focuses on the practical needs of everyday New Yorkers.

What sets Sliwa apart is his unmatched connection to the people. He’s walked the streets, intervened in crises, and listened to communities often ignored by establishment politicians. His political activism is not a recent pivot, but a natural extension of a life spent defending and standing with the underserved.

Whether on a subway platform, a protest line, or a debate stage, Curtis Sliwa continues to be a force for accountability, courage, and community empowerment. As he campaigns for mayor, his vision for New York remains grounded in action, advocacy, and the unwavering belief that ordinary people, when united, can do extraordinary things.