Curtis Sliwa – Guardian Angels Founder and NYC Mayoral Candidate
Curtis Sliwa is a New York City–born activist, broadcaster, and the founder of the Guardian Angels, the anti-crime volunteer patrol he started in 1979 when he was 24 and working as a McDonald’s night manager in the Bronx. He has also run for New York City mayor as the Republican nominee, including in 2021 and again in 2025.
From patrolling subway cars in a red beret to hosting a talk radio show, Sliwa has built a public identity that blends grassroots crime prevention with political ambition. His life story covers decades of activism, media work, and repeated attempts to lead the nation’s largest city.
This profile answers the most common questions about Curtis Sliwa: his background, family, political career, signature style, and the facts that remain publicly unverified.
Who Is Curtis Sliwa? Background and Early Life
- Full Name: Curtis Anthony Sliwa
- Born: March 26, 1954, Brooklyn, New York
- Known For: Founder of Guardian Angels, Radio Host, Politician
- Political Party: Republican
- Curtis Sliwa is best known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime prevention organization.
- He transitioned from activism to politics, running as the Republican candidate for NYC Mayor in 2021 and again in 2025.
- His distinctive red beret and hat have become iconic symbols associated with his public persona.
- Sliwa maintains a strong social media presence across Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook, with hundreds of thousands of followers.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1–5 million (sources vary) |
| Height | Approximately 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Religion | Raised Catholic |
| Spouse | Nancy Sliwa (married 2018) |
| Children | 3 |
| Party Affiliation | Republican |
Curtis Sliwa’s Political Party and Mayoral Campaign
Sliwa has consistently run for office as a Republican in a heavily Democratic city. He was the Republican nominee for mayor of New York City in 2021 and again in 2025. His campaign platform emphasizes law and order, public safety, and support for the police.
Gotham Gazette notes that Sliwa has long portrayed himself as a police advocate and crimefighter in his mayoral runs, a stance consistent with his leadership of the Guardian Angels.
How He Started the Guardian Angels
In 1979, while working as a McDonald’s night manager in the Bronx, Sliwa formed a volunteer patrol group first called the “Rock Brigade,” then the “Magnificent 13,” which eventually became the Guardian Angels. The organization was founded to deter violent crime by patrolling streets and subways, and it later expanded internationally. Early coverage describes the group starting with 13 members and growing to more than 500 volunteers, recognizable by their red jackets and berets.
Curtis Sliwa’s Personal Life: Wife, Religion, and Net Worth
Wife and Family
According to IMDb, Sliwa’s current spouse is Nancy Sliwa, whom he married on July 5, 2018. He was previously married to Mary Sliwa and Lisa Sliwa (Lisa Evers from 1981 to 1994). The campaign website states that he lives with Nancy on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He has three children.
Religion and Personal Beliefs
Public information about Sliwa’s religion is limited. He was raised Catholic, but no authoritative source details his current religious practices or affiliations. The campaign site and biography pages do not address this aspect of his life.
Net Worth
No verified net worth figure has been disclosed by Sliwa. Public estimates vary widely, with some sources suggesting between $1 million and $5 million, but these remain unconfirmed. No official financial disclosure has been published as part of his campaigns.
Neither height nor net worth are listed in official campaign materials or peer-reviewed biographical sources. The figures commonly repeated online are estimates and should be treated as such.
Curtis Sliwa’s Signature Style: Why He Wears a Hat
Sliwa is strongly associated with the Guardian Angels’ red beret uniform. Britannica notes that the group is recognized by their red jackets and berets, and his campaign site highlights his Guardian Angels identity. The red beret has become a visual trademark, often worn during public appearances and political events.
Height
His height is commonly reported as approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), but no official measurement from Sliwa or a verified source exists. The campaign website and mainstream biographies do not include this detail.
The red beret is more than a fashion choice; it is a symbol of the Guardian Angels’ mission. The documentary Vigilante: The Incredible True Story of Curtis Sliwa and the Guardian Angels explores how this uniform became part of New York City’s visual culture.
Key Milestones in Curtis Sliwa’s Life
- – Born in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York.
- – Founded the Guardian Angels.
- – Hosted radio shows on WABC and WOR.
- – Married Nancy Sliwa.
- – Ran for NYC Mayor as Republican nominee.
- – Announced second mayoral campaign.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Curtis Sliwa?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born March 26, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York | Current religious practices (raised Catholic) |
| Founder of the Guardian Angels (1979) | Verified net worth |
| Republican nominee for NYC mayor (2021, 2025) | Officially confirmed height |
| Married to Nancy Sliwa since 2018 | Detailed ethnic background beyond listed ancestry |
Curtis Sliwa’s Role in New York City Politics and Society
Curtis Sliwa’s career reflects a unique blend of grassroots activism, media personality, and political ambition. His Guardian Angels organization has been both praised for community safety and criticized for vigilantism. As a Republican in heavily Democratic New York City, Sliwa positions himself as a law-and-order candidate. His radio platform on 710 WOR has given him sustained public visibility beyond his political campaigns.
Sources and References
The following sources were used to compile this profile:
- Wikipedia – Curtis Sliwa
- Curtis Sliwa Campaign Website
- Britannica – Guardian Angels
- IMDb – Curtis Sliwa Biography
- Gotham Gazette – Vigilante Mayor
- YouTube – Early Guardian Angels Coverage
What’s Next for Curtis Sliwa?
Curtis Sliwa is actively campaigning for NYC Mayor in the 2025 election. He continues to host a radio show on 710 WOR in New York City. The Guardian Angels remain active under his leadership. For more on other well-known figures, read the Pink – Biography, Discography and Career Highlights or Frank Bruno Net Worth – Boxing Legend’s Wealth and Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Curtis Sliwa?
Curtis Sliwa was born on March 26, 1954, making him 71 years old as of 2025.
Does Curtis Sliwa have children?
Yes, Curtis Sliwa has three children.
What is Curtis Sliwa’s radio show?
He hosts a talk radio show on 710 WOR in New York City.
Is Curtis Sliwa still with the Guardian Angels?
Yes, he remains the founder and a prominent figure in the organization.
What is Curtis Sliwa’s ethnicity?
IMDb lists his parents’ names and ancestry, but no detailed ethnic background has been publicly confirmed.
How many times has Curtis Sliwa run for mayor?
He has run twice as the Republican nominee: in 2021 and 2025.
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