Sliwa's Cat-Centric Skit with Mayor Mamdani Sparks GOP Backlash

Some Republicans claim the Guardian Angels founder 'betrayed' the party by appearing in a comedy video with the Democratic mayor.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:36pm

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Curtis Sliwa, the 2025 Republican mayoral candidate, has faced criticism from some GOP insiders for appearing in a cat-themed comedy skit with Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The skit, which was part of the annual Inner Circle charity show, showed Sliwa giving Mamdani an allergy shot so he could have a cat at Gracie Mansion. While Sliwa said his only motive was promoting animal rescue, some Republicans accused him of 'betraying' the party and claimed he should return political donations.

Why it matters

The backlash highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party in New York City, where Sliwa refused to drop out of the 2025 mayoral race despite pressure from some GOP leaders who viewed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the best chance to defeat the Democratic socialist mayor. Sliwa's appearance with Mamdani has reignited those divisions and raised questions about party loyalty.

The details

The skit spoofed the fact that Mayor Mamdani, who is allergic to cats, is getting a series of allergy shots so he and his cat-loving wife can have a pet at Gracie Mansion. Sliwa, who is known for his advocacy of feline causes, said a Mamdani staffer had reached out to him about appearing in the skit. However, some Republicans, including former Gov. David Paterson, accused Sliwa of 'betraying' the party and claimed he should return political donations. Sliwa's rival, Fernando Mateo, also criticized the former mayoral candidate, calling him a 'compulsive liar' who constantly seeks media attention.

  • The skit was performed at this year's Inner Circle show, an annual charity event featuring political parodies.
  • Sliwa is already planning to seek the GOP's mayoral nomination for 2029.

The players

Curtis Sliwa

The founder of the Guardian Angels vigilante group and the 2025 Republican mayoral candidate in New York City.

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic socialist mayor of New York City, who is allergic to cats but is getting allergy shots so he and his wife can have a pet at Gracie Mansion.

David Paterson

A former governor of New York who criticized Sliwa's appearance with Mamdani, calling it 'reprehensible'.

Fernando Mateo

A Sliwa rival who organized bodegas owners and ran against him in the 2021 Republican mayoral primary, calling Sliwa a 'compulsive liar' who constantly seeks media attention.

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What they’re saying

“When you don't have a bed to sleep in you have to find anyone who will take you. You can tell when people are true to the party, and I thought it was reprehensible.”

— David Paterson, Former Governor of New York

“People shouldn't be shocked, this isn't new and there's likely more to come. He's a compulsive liar who constantly seeks and feeds on attention, especially from the media.”

— Fernando Mateo, Sliwa Rival

What’s next

Sliwa is already planning to seek the GOP's mayoral nomination for 2029, setting up the potential for further political battles within the party.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the New York City Republican Party, where some members are critical of Sliwa's willingness to collaborate with the Democratic mayor, even for a lighthearted cause like promoting animal rescue. The backlash reflects deeper divisions over party loyalty and the best strategy to defeat the Democratic administration.