Bill Ackman jumps into NYC mayoral fight, says Sliwa must drop or ‘we are toast'

Bill Ackman's comments on the NYC mayoral race have sent shockwaves through the campaign, with billionaire investor arguing that Republican Curtis Sliwa's refusal to drop out has handed democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani a near 90% chance of winning.

In a post on X, Ackman claimed it was Sliwa's decision not to exit the race that had propelled Mamdani ahead in the polls, citing prediction market data as evidence. This assertion marks a rare foray by a high-profile investor into a local election.

Ackman has supported independent candidate Andrew Cuomo’s bid and earlier urged Sliwa to withdraw from the race to give Cuomo "a better shot." However, Sliwa is not backing down, with his campaign rejecting the idea that Ackman or any donor should influence the outcome.

Maria Sliwa, Curtis's spokeswoman, argued that billionaires aren't going to decide the outcome of the election. "Billionaires aren't going to decide the outcome — it’s the voters. It’s the people. Let the people decide," she said.

However, some polls suggest that Cuomo could close the gap without Sliwa in the race, but questions remain as to whether Sliwa's voters would support Cuomo.

Ackman's comments have also fueled speculation and a surge in trading activity on Polymarket, a prediction site where users bet on political outcomes.

I'm watching this NYC mayoral race with bated breath ... so Ackman's saying Mamdani's got a 90% chance of winning? That's wild! I don't know what to believe though - prediction market data can be sketchy, right? And Sliwa's still in it, which is kinda cool. I mean, who wouldn't want to see someone from the streets bringin' it to the establishment politicians? Still, Cuomo's got a chance too if he can get his campaign together... and what about Sliwa's voters - would they even bother showin' up for Mamdani? The more I think about it, the less sure I am!

idk how reliable those prediction market stats are ... one day they say Mamdani's got 90% chance of winning, next day it's Cuomo's gonna close the gap? sounds like some pretty shaky ground to me . and what's with Ackman just jumping into a local election anyway? seems like he's more interested in stirring the pot than actually doing any real market analysis . also, why is Sliwa's campaign being so stubborn about backing down? seems like it could be a clever PR move to get some attention ...

[Image of a surprised cat with a thought bubble, "I just got outbid by a billionaire for a hot take "]

Omg did u hear about Bill Ackman's latest comment on the NYC mayoral race?? he thinks Curtis Sliwa's decision not to drop out handed Zohran Mamdani 90% chance of winning lol that's quite a prediction market I mean we gotta see how this plays out but it's def interesting that someone as influential as Ackman is weighing in on the outcome.

I think Maria Sliwa's right though, billionaires aren't gonna change minds or influence voters. The people will still decide and that's what matters but at the same time, it's cool to see more ppl getting involved in the prediction markets

OMG u guys I was just thinking about NYC elections last wkend & then I saw this news... Bill Ackman thinks Curtis Sliwa's not droppin out is gonna make Zohran Mamdani win lol like what? I don't get it... if I put $1000 on someone winning a bet, does that mean they're actually gonna win? I thought prediction markets were just for fun, but maybe Ackman knows somethin we don't?

So like, Ackman's been talkin trash about Sliwa and stuff, but Sliwa's all "nah, my voters will still come with me" And I'm over here thinkin... what if? What if they do? Can't wait to see how this all plays out!

I'm totally shocked by Ackman's take on this NYC mayoral race ! Like, I get that he's invested in Cuomo's campaign, but come on, 90% chance of Zohran Mamdani winning just because Sliwa didn't drop out? That's some crazy math . And can you blame the billionaire for trying to sway the outcome? It's all about the Benjamins . But Maria Sliwa is totally right - it's up to the people, not billionaires . I mean, if Cuomo wants in, he should focus on winning over voters rather than relying on Ackman's wallet . Polymarket is going crazy, though - I'll keep an eye on those predictions .

Can't believe billionaires think they can buy an election ! Prediction markets are one thing, but this is NYC we're talking about - people wanna make their own choices not be swayed by cash

The NYC mayoral election is heating up and it looks like Bill Ackman has thrown his weight into the game . I've been following this campaign closely and honestly, Sliwa's decision not to drop out was a major surprise to me. It showed that he really thinks he can win and is willing to put in the work.

The thing is, Sliwans are already polling pretty high among NYC voters, especially in some of the more conservative areas. I think it's going to be tough for Mamdani to take down someone who has already built a strong following. It's also worth noting that Ackman's prediction market data might not necessarily reflect real-world outcomes - it's all about speculation at this point.

I do think there are some interesting dynamics at play here, though. If Sliwa were to drop out, Cuomo could definitely gain traction in the polls. But if he stays in the race, who knows? Maybe his supporters will stick with him no matter what.

I'm still trying to process this whole NYC mayoral thing... it feels like another one of those wild card elections that always keep us on our toes Remember when Obama first ran for president back in 2008? I swear, this Sliwa guy seems like a modern-day Howard Dean - all charisma and no concrete policy Anyway, Ackman's comments might be having some real sway, especially if Sliwa's voters are the ones who end up deciding it. Can't help but wonder what Andrew Cuomo would've done differently in terms of outreach... did he not learn from Obama's 'Hope and Change' playbook?

I'm calling BS on this whole thing . Bill Ackman thinks his 2 cents are gonna tip the scales for Zohran Mamdani? Please, Ackman's been playing the game of big money for years and has no idea what real New Yorkers want. Curtis Sliwa is a nobody who somehow managed to scrape together enough support to stay in the race – that's gotta count for something! Meanwhile, Cuomo's still stuck with a long history of scandals and questionable decisions. Can't say I trust Ackman's analysis on this one...

idk why ppl r still watching this NYC mayoral thing... it feels like the whole city is just gonna split down party lines & not really care who wins . ackman's comments might be attention-grabbing, but I mean, isn't he the one who got Andrew Cuomo all hyped up in 1st place? seems kinda hypocritical to me

Ugh man, I just can't help but feel like this is gonna be one of those elections where the "outsider" candidate (Curtis Sliwa) somehow pulls off an upset . I mean, Ackman's saying that Sliwa's not dropping out gives Zohran Mamdani a 90% chance? That's wild! But at the same time, it's kinda like, what's gonna happen when Sliwa's supporters vote for him but then realize he can't even get Cuomo elected?

And can we talk about how crazy this is that Ackman's suddenly getting involved in local politics? I mean, don't get me wrong, the guy's got the cash to back it up , but shouldn't billionaires just stick to, like, investing or something? It feels like he's kinda hijacking the narrative here...