Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Curtis Sliwa

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 5, 2025

Discover the career path of Curtis Sliwa, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Curtis Sliwa is an American activist and radio talk show host best known as the founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels. Founded in 1979, the Guardian Angels are a non-profit organization focused on crime prevention through citizen patrols. Sliwa has been a consistent presence in New York City media and politics for decades, known for his distinctive red beret and outspoken views. He has also pursued various political candidacies, including a run for Mayor of New York City in 2021.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

May 1977: Creation of the Magnificent 13

In May 1977, Curtis Sliwa created the "Magnificent 13", a civilian group aimed at combating violence and crime on the New York City Subway during a crime wave.

1979: Renaming to the Guardian Angels

In 1979, the Magnificent 13 grew and was renamed the Guardian Angels, drawing both positive and negative reactions.

1981: Investigation into the Guardian Angels

In 1981, Mayor Ed Koch, a critic of Curtis Sliwa and the Guardian Angels, launched an investigation into the organization. The investigation ultimately proved positive, potentially leading to official status for the Guardian Angels.

1990: Start of Radio Career at WABC-AM

In 1990, Curtis Sliwa began his radio broadcasting career at WABC-AM.

1994: Hired by WNYC

In 1994, WNYC hired Curtis Sliwa after WABC had released him, allegedly due to support from newly elected Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

1996: Hosting Radio Talk Shows on WABC

Since 1996, Curtis Sliwa, as a political conservative, has hosted various radio talk shows on WABC.

2000: Co-hosting Curtis and Kuby in the Morning

In 2000, Curtis Sliwa and Ron Kuby became the co-hosts of "Curtis and Kuby in the Morning", which lasted for eight years.

December 1, 2008: National Syndication of Curtis Sliwa LIVE

On December 1, 2008, the "Curtis Sliwa LIVE" program began national syndication.

November 2009: Cancellation of Show on WABC

In November 2009, Curtis Sliwa's show on WABC was canceled after a contract dispute.

January 2, 2014: Return to WABC

On January 2, 2014, Curtis Sliwa returned to WABC, replacing Rush Limbaugh.

June 2017: Eboni Williams as Co-host

Starting in June 2017, attorney and television commentator, Eboni Williams became Curtis Sliwa's co-host.

February 2019: Juliet Huddy as Co-host

In February 2019, Juliet Huddy joined the show as Curtis Sliwa's co-host.

March 8, 2020: Announcement of Mayoral Run in 2021

On March 8, 2020, Curtis Sliwa announced that he would run for mayor of New York City in 2021 as a Republican.

March 2021: Radio Program Hiatus for Mayoral Candidacy

In March 2021, Curtis Sliwa's radio program went on hiatus after he declared his candidacy for mayor.

February 13, 2025: Announcement of Mayoral Candidacy

On February 13, 2025, Curtis Sliwa announced his candidacy to run for mayor of New York City in 2025, as a Republican. He apologized for past statements regarding the city's Hasidic population and criticized ICE's detainments of immigrants without due process.