Curtis Sliwa's Shift from Iconic Red Beret to Formal Attire in NYC Mayoral Campaign

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, longtime radio personality, and the Republican candidate for New York City mayor, remains a recognizable figure in the city's political landscape. Recently, during a visit to a prominent business organization in Lower Manhattan, Sliwa's appearance caught many off guard; he was dressed in a dark suit, and notably, his signature red beret, a symbol of his activist days, was absent, replaced by a tan cap line and a balding scalp. Kathryn S. Wylde, head of the Partnership for New York City, remarked on the change, noting she didn't recognize him at first. Sliwa's red beret has historically been a defining part of his image, associated with his Guardian Angels patrols in the 1970s, as well as his media appearances and previous mayoral run in 2021. However, as he campaigns for a second mayoral bid, he has begun appearing without it, especially during meetings with influential figures like business leaders and union representatives. He has committed to wearing the beret only if he wins the upcoming election. In an interview, Sliwa expressed optimism about his chances this time around, citing a potentially fractured Democratic vote among cand...