Curtis Sliwa is a renowned community leader, activist, broadcaster and founder of the Guardian Angels. In 1979, at just 24 years old, Sliwa founded the Guardian Angels in response to New York City’s rising crime and fears of public safety. Sliwa’s vision and leadership turned the Guardian Angels into an international movement. Under his leadership, chapters expanded across the United States and internationally doing various works of service including crime prevention, youth mentoring, EMS assistance, self defense training for victims of abuse, homeless outreach, etc. Sliwa was also 2021 Republican nominee for Mayor.
Before Curtis started the Guardian Angels, he created the “Rock Brigrade,” which consisted of himself and fellow employees when he was a manager at a McDonald’s in the Bronx. United by a vision of a clean and safe Bronx, they cleaned their community and help neighbors get home safely. Following that, Curtis formed the "Magnificent 13"
The "Magnificent 13" started to grow as a safety patrol group in the Bronx and focused on patrolling the trains overnight at a time when NYC had cut the NYPD from patrolling the trains at night, making them a veritable war zone for all straphangers. The group began patrolling "the Rambles" in Central Park, where LGBTQ men were being attacked in the 1970s while meeting in the park. These 13 quickly grew into a group of several hundred members, when Sliwa realized the “Magnificent 13” needed a new name. And so began "The Guardian Angels." Without these first young men and women there would be no Guardian Angels today. There is a story behind every Guardian Angel, and millions have been inspired by the work so many have done all over the world.
Curtis Sliwa is running for mayor of New York City, driven by his desire to finally make the city work for those who power it. With decades of experience organizing grassroots efforts, Sliwa is uniquely positioned to address the pressing issues of rising crime, corruption and helping working people afford to stay in New York City.
Sliwa is committed to restoring a sense of civic pride and safety in New York. He believes the city’s challenges require solutions that involve residents at all levels, not just the out of touch political class who’ve failed NYC for years. His leadership of the Guardian Angels has shown him the power of community-driven efforts, and he plans to apply this ethos to tackle the city's toughest problems.
Curtis Sliwa’s run for mayor is more than just a political campaign—it’s an extension of his lifelong mission to improve the lives of those who work so hard to live here, work here, and start their life here. Through his work with the Guardian Angels, his media presence and advocacy of selfeless service, Sliwa has demonstrated that he is committed to making New York City a safer, cleaner, more affordable, and more compassionate place for all.
Sliwa resides with his wife, attorney and animal welfare activist Nancy Sliwa Esq., and their rescue cats on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Sliwa and his wife are deeply connected to the city’s fabric and culture. Their love for animals and their commitment to rescue efforts reflect his personal values of compassion and responsibility.
