Childhood and Education Journey of Curtis Sliwa in Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Curtis Sliwa. A timeline of key moments.

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

March 26, 1954: Curtis Sliwa's Birth

On March 26, 1954, Curtis Anthony Sliwa was born. He later became an American activist, radio talk show host, and founder/CEO of the Guardian Angels.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Support for Rudy Giuliani

In 1993, Curtis Sliwa supported Rudy Giuliani in the mayoral race.

2007: Intention to Reinvigorate NYC Republican Party

In 2007, Curtis Sliwa announced his intention to reinvigorate New York City's Republican party, and possibly run for office.

2013: Endorsement of John Catsimatidis for Mayor

In 2013, Curtis Sliwa endorsed Republican candidate John Catsimatidis for mayor.

September 2016: Takeover of the Reform Party

In September 2016, Curtis Sliwa and Frank Morano launched a successful hostile takeover of the Reform Party of New York State.

2016: Non-Support of Donald Trump

During the 2021 mayoral campaign, Curtis Sliwa and Fernando Mateo clashed over loyalty to Donald Trump. Mateo supported Trump's election claims, while Sliwa did not support Trump in either 2016 or 2020.

2017: Criticism of Fernando Mateo

In 2017, Curtis Sliwa criticized Fernando Mateo for donating to the re-election campaign of Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat.

November 2018: Reform Party Loses Ballot Access

In November 2018, the Reform Party of New York State lost its ballot access.

December 2019: Sliwa's Criticism of Donald Trump

In December 2019, Curtis Sliwa declared in an interview that he hated then-President Donald Trump, calling him a "screwball and a crackpot".

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.

2020: Differences Over Trump Support

February 2021: Return to the Republican Party

In February 2021, weeks after Trump left office, Curtis Sliwa switched his registration back to the Republican Party.

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.

November 2, 2021: Loss in Mayoral Election

On November 2, 2021, Curtis Sliwa lost to Eric Adams in the general election for New York City mayor. Sliwa conceded the same night.

January 2023: Rodent Problem Suggestion

In January 2023, after Eric Adams was fined for rodent violations, Curtis Sliwa brought cats to Adams' home, suggesting feral cats could address the city's rodent problem.

August 2023: Arrest at Anti-Immigration Rally

In August 2023, Curtis Sliwa and four other organizers were arrested after an anti-illegal immigration rally outside Gracie Mansion. The Manhattan district attorney's office declined to prosecute.

2023: Appointment of 'Rat Czar'

In August 2025, Curtis Sliwa criticized Mayor Eric Adams for failing to solve the city's rat problem, despite Adams having appointed a "Rat Czar" in 2023.

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.

February 2025: Second Radio Program Hiatus

In February 2025, Curtis Sliwa's programs once again went on hiatus upon the announcement of his second candidacy.

July 2025: Polling Results

In mid-July 2025, a poll of registered NYC voters found Curtis Sliwa coming in third, with 13%.

August 2025: Criticism of Mayor Adams' Handling of Rat Problem

In August 2025, Curtis Sliwa criticized Mayor Eric Adams for failing to solve the city's rat problem, despite Adams having appointed a "Rat Czar" in 2023.

September 2025: Animal Loving Voters

In September 2025, Curtis Sliwa and his wife owned six rescue cats. During his 2025 mayoral campaign, he said he believes there is an underestimated population of animal-loving voters in New York City who his mayoral candidacy would resonate with.