The political atmosphere in New York City turned chaotic after Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani claimed victory in the mayoral election.
What was expected to be a tight race ended with Republican circles imploding, as Donald Trump’s most loyal supporters turned their fury toward Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, accusing him of sabotaging their chances.
A Divided Opposition Paves the Way for Mamdani
In the final tally, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa secured only about 7 percent of the vote, while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo — who ran as an independent — came in second with 41 percent support.
Mamdani emerged the clear winner with over 50 percent, capturing more than a million votes citywide.
Before election day, former President Trump had thrown his weight behind Cuomo, urging Republicans through his Truth Social platform to unite behind him.
“A vote for Curtis Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani,” Trump warned, emphasizing that splitting the vote would guarantee a leftist victory.
Despite this, Sliwa refused to drop out, ignoring repeated calls from Trump allies to step aside.
Backlash from Trump Supporters Turns Personal
The results sparked a wave of outrage across conservative social media spaces.
Many Trump loyalists accused Sliwa of “handing the city to the socialists.”
David Rem, a well-known pro-Trump activist in New York, unleashed a profanity-filled tirade online, calling Sliwa a “scumbag” who “split the vote” and “sold out like Judas.”
Former congressman George Santos, known for his fiery rhetoric, joined the chorus, lashing out at Sliwa and even mocking his trademark red beret and his wife.
“I HATE YOU, your dumb wife, that stupid Beret of yours, and all your cats!” Santos ranted on X, amplifying the anger reverberating through the Republican base.
Prominent Conservatives Join the Condemnation
Others within the GOP echoed the frustration.
Ellie Cohanim, a former Trump administration official, accused Sliwa of deliberately undermining Cuomo’s campaign.
“He knew he was a spoiler and refused to bow out,” she posted, adding that she never wanted to “see his stupid red beret again.”
The anger reflects deep fractures among New York Republicans, who had hoped to rally behind a single anti-Mamdani candidate after current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out in September and endorsed Cuomo.
Trump had even helped clear Adams of a corruption probe earlier in the year, signaling his preference for Cuomo as the unified conservative choice.
Was Sliwa Really to Blame?
While Trump supporters vented online, some political commentators questioned whether Sliwa’s presence actually made a difference.
Analyst Ian Miles Cheong pointed out that Mamdani secured more than 60 percent of the vote at some polling sites, suggesting that even a unified Republican front might not have been enough.
“It wouldn’t have mattered,” Cheong remarked. “Cuomo just never bothered to campaign.”
What Happens Next for New York Politics
With Mamdani now officially leading New York City, his victory marks a historic shift toward progressive leadership in one of America’s most iconic cities.
Yet for Republicans, the fallout continues — revealing bitter divisions, wounded egos, and a struggle over who truly represents the future of the party in liberal strongholds like New York.
As Trump loyalists continue to feud online, the next chapter in this political drama may hinge on whether the GOP can regroup — or if internal infighting will keep the party fractured heading into the next election cycle.