Curtis Sliwa – Biography, Political Views and Net Worth

Curtis Sliwa has been a fixture in New York City public life for more than four decades. He is best known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer anti-crime patrol group that became a symbol of grassroots public safety. In recent years, he has also become a recurring Republican candidate for mayor of New York City, running in both 2021 and 2025.

A radio talk show host and activist, Sliwa’s persona is built around his signature red beret and his outspoken positions on crime and accountability. His biography weaves together activism, media, politics, and personal controversy, making him a complex figure in the city’s political landscape.

Born in Brooklyn in 1954, Sliwa grew up in a working-class Catholic family of Polish and Italian descent. He attended Brooklyn Prep and later Canarsie High School, and by the age of 25 he had founded an organization that would define his career.

Curtis Sliwa Political Views

• Curtis Sliwa founded the Guardian Angels in 1979 as a volunteer crime prevention patrol.
• He is running for Mayor of New York City in 2025 as a Republican on a platform of public safety.
• Married to Nancy Sliwa (an attorney) and has three children.
• Known for wearing a red beret, which has become a trademark associated with the Guardian Angels.
• His campaign also uses the Protect Animals ballot line, an independent party he created.
• Coverage of his 2025 run describes his platform as “amorphous” but centered on crime reduction and animal rights.

Curtis Sliwa Net Worth

Reliable information about Curtis Sliwa’s net worth is not publicly available. The provided search results do not include a confirmed figure from any authoritative source. Estimates that circulate online vary widely, but none of the higher-quality sources — such as Wikipedia, Britannica, or campaign materials — provide a documented number. His income likely comes from his long-running radio show, speaking engagements, and activism, but exact amounts are not disclosed.

Curtis Sliwa Wife and Personal Life

Curtis Sliwa has been married multiple times. According to IMDb, he has been married to Nancy Sliwa since July 5, 2018, and was previously married to Mary Sliwa and Lisa Sliwa. Fox 5 NY identifies his current wife as Nancy Regula, a New York attorney. The City reports that he lives with Nancy Regula and their many cats on the Upper West Side.

He has at least one son, named Anthony, with Lisa Evers, according to Kids Kiddle. German-language Wikipedia states he has two sons with Melinda Katz and that he is Roman Catholic. Multiple sources describe him as being of Polish and Italian descent, raised in a Catholic family in Canarsie, Brooklyn.

Curtis Sliwa Hat: The Red Beret Story

The red beret is the most recognizable symbol associated with Curtis Sliwa and the Guardian Angels. He adopted the beret as a uniform item for the group when it was founded in 1979. The beret became a signature part of his public identity, appearing in all his media appearances, campaign materials, and photographs.

According to Wikipedia, the Guardian Angels began patrolling the New York City subway system wearing red berets. The headwear helped the group stand out and create a consistent visual brand. Over time, the beret has come to symbolize volunteer crime prevention and grassroots activism, although it has also drawn criticism for what some see as vigilante-style tactics.

What are the key milestones in Curtis Sliwa’s life?

1. 1954 – Born in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York.
2. 1979 – Founded the Guardian Angels, initially patrolling the NYC subway.
3. 1990s – Became a radio talk show host at WABC and later WOR.
4. 1992 – Kidnapped and shot, an event noted in multiple sources.
5. 2018 – Married Nancy Regula (now Nancy Sliwa).
6. 2021 – Ran as Republican candidate for Mayor of NYC.
7. 2025 – Running again for NYC Mayor.

What is known and what remains unclear about Curtis Sliwa?

How did Curtis Sliwa build his public image?

Curtis Sliwa’s public persona is built on his vigilante-style activism with the Guardian Angels, which has both supporters and critics. His political messaging focuses on crime reduction and accountability, tapping into public safety concerns in NYC. Media presence includes a long-running radio show and active social media, giving him a direct line to voters.

Past controversies, such as a 1992 kidnapping and shooting incident, provide context for his “tough on crime” stance. He has been described as a community leader and broadcaster, with a long-running public profile in New York City politics and media, according to The City.

What do official sources say about Curtis Sliwa?

“Curtis Anthony Sliwa is an American politician, activist and radio talk show host.”

— Wikipedia

“Husband to Nancy❤️Father of 3. Cat Dad, Founder of the Guardian Angels 1979. Fighting for the people of NYC.”

— Instagram bio (@curtissliwaformayor)

“The Curtis Sliwa for NYC campaign is fighting to bring safety, sanity, and accountability back to New York City.”

— Campaign website (sliwafornyc.com)

What is next for Curtis Sliwa?

Curtis Sliwa is actively campaigning for the Republican nomination for New York City mayor in the June 2025 primary. If nominated, he will face the Democratic candidate in the November 2025 general election. His campaign events, debates, and fundraising efforts are ongoing. For a broader perspective on political biographies, you may also read Boris Johnson – Biography, Net Worth, Books and Resignation or Peter Thiel – Net Worth, Companies, Politics and Controversies.