Curtis Sliwa is an American activist, radio personality, and politician, best known as the founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to unarmed crime prevention and community protection.
Since its founding in 1979, the group has become recognizable for its volunteers in red berets patrolling city streets and subways.
Beyond activism, Sliwa built a career in broadcasting through his work at WABC Radio and gained political visibility as the Republican nominee for New York City mayor in 2021, where he campaigned on issues of safety and quality of life.
Early Life and Education
Curtis Sliwa was born on March 26, 1954, in Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York City, to parents of Polish and Italian descent. Raised in a working-class neighborhood alongside two sisters, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of urban life, experiences that later fueled his activism.
He attended Brooklyn Prep, a Jesuit high school, but was expelled and later completed his studies at Canarsie High School. Sliwa did not pursue college education, instead working early jobs including as a McDonald’s night manager while becoming involved in community initiatives.
Career
In 1979, Sliwa founded the Guardian Angels, initially known as the Magnificent 13, a volunteer group formed to combat crime in New York City’s subways. Their visible patrols quickly attracted attention — praised by many residents for tackling crime, but also criticized by some officials for their confrontational methods.
By the 1980s, the Guardian Angels expanded to cities across the United States and abroad, cementing Sliwa’s reputation as a controversial but influential public safety advocate.
During the 1990s, Sliwa transitioned into media, becoming a radio talk show host on WABC. His outspoken style and focus on civic issues earned him a large audience. One of his most notable shows was The Curtis and Kuby Show, co-hosted with attorney Ron Kuby, which became a staple of New York radio by blending conservative and liberal viewpoints.
Sliwa’s activism often came with personal risks. In 1992, he survived a shooting linked to organized crime, which he described as further proof of his commitment to confronting lawlessness.
In 2021, Sliwa ran for mayor of New York City as the Republican candidate, campaigning on crime prevention and quality-of-life concerns. Though he lost to Eric Adams, his candidacy reinforced his role as a prominent political voice.
Today, Sliwa continues to lead the Guardian Angels, host radio shows, and remain active in community safety and public commentary.
Social Media
- Instagram: @curtissliwa
- Facebook: Curtis Sliwa
- Twitter: @CurtisSliwa
Personal Life
Curtis Sliwa has been married four times. His marriages include:
- Koren Drayton (1976–1977)
- Lisa Evers (1981–1994), with whom he has a son, Anthony Chester
- Mary Galda (2000–2012)
- Nancy Regula (2018–present)
He was also in a relationship with Melinda Katz, with whom he shares two sons, Carter and Hunter, before their separation in 2014.
Throughout his life, Sliwa has maintained a modest lifestyle, dedicating much of his personal and professional energy to the Guardian Angels and their mission.
Net Worth
Curtis Sliwa’s net worth is estimated at $500,000. His earnings come primarily from his long career in radio broadcasting with WABC, as well as speaking engagements.
The Guardian Angels organization itself operates on donations and grants, reflecting his continued dedication to nonprofit community work.
