NYC Radio: 77WABC Owner Supporting Eric Adams for Mayor

John Catsimatidis, billionaire owner of 77WABC and GOP megadonor, is rallying fellow business tycoons to support Mayor Eric Adams’ uphill reelection bid to prevent democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani from winning New York City’s mayoral race, according to sources familiar with private discussions.

Catsimatidis praised Adams’ collaboration with the Trump administration, particularly on public safety, in a brief POLITICO interview, saying, “Washington, whether it’s Tom Homan or Donald Trump, wants a safe New York.”

Despite Catsimatidis’ preference, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, a 77WABC host and Guardian Angels founder, vowed to stay in the race. “I’m not getting out unless they bury me six feet under,” Sliwa told POLITICO, rejecting pressure to step aside. Catsimatidis, while calling Sliwa a friend, noted that Sliwa must decide his path.

Since Mamdani’s surprising primary win, finance executives and Republicans have strategized to counter the anti-wealth candidate, favoring the Trump-friendly Adams despite his campaign finance issues and low approval ratings. Billionaire Bill Ackman also pledged to fund a business-friendly candidate, but with ballot lines set, options are limited.

Sliwa plans to campaign on GOP and “protect animals” independent lines, backed by New York GOP leaders like former Governor George Pataki and state party chair Ed Cox, who recently fundraised with him. The general election will feature Mamdani as the Democratic frontrunner, Adams, business leader Jim Walden, and possibly former Governor Andrew Cuomo as independents, though Cuomo’s campaign activity remains uncertain.