Pressure is mounting from business leaders, MAGA world influencers, independents, and moderate Democrats for Mr. Sliwa to quit the race so the anti-Zohran Mamdani vote can coalesce around one candidate and have at least a shot at beating the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist state assemblyman in November.
Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, stated, "Make no mistake, this election is the most consequential decision our citizenry will take. We must accept the results and ensure a peaceful transition of power." Schultz emphasized the importance of unity and acceptance regardless of the election outcome, highlighting the importance of foundational principles of truth and democracy.