On Sunday, September 28, Conservative, Republican, and United Alliance candidate for New York City Public Advocate Gonzalo Duran concluded what he called his “Curtis Get Out the Vote (GOTV) City Tour”—a campaign effort aimed at boosting support for Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, himself, plus other Republican, Conservative, and United Alliance candidates.
For weeks, Duran traveled across the five boroughs rallying candidates, constituents, and community members. Unlike most political operations, his strategy took him into deep-blue neighborhoods where Republicans and Conservatives are rarely seen.
Setting the Stage for the Mayoral Race
Sliwa, best known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, is running on the Republican and Protect Animals (independent) lines in the mayoral race. He faces an uphill battle in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than six to one, but his campaign has centered on public safety, affordability, and quality of life. For Conservatives like Duran, aligning with Sliwa has become a way to energize voters beyond their traditional bases and broaden Republican visibility in neighborhoods where the party has historically struggled.
The Role of GOTV in Local Elections
A Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign is a coordinated grassroots effort to mobilize voters before Election Day—reminding supporters to register, turn out, and actively engage in the political process. GOTV operations are especially critical in municipal elections, where voter participation is notoriously low. In some past New York City contests, turnout has dipped below 25 percent of eligible voters, giving an outsized influence to campaigns that can effectively mobilize their base.
Duran said his citywide tour was designed to build that momentum.
“In the last two years, I have shown that when you go into communities that have not seen a Republican or Conservative in years—or ever—you remind people that we are out there,” Duran said.
Breaking with Conventional Strategy
While many Republican candidates rely on traditional strongholds in Staten Island, South Brooklyn, or parts of Queens, Duran has emphasized direct engagement in neighborhoods where Conservative campaigns rarely venture. Over the past two years, he has appeared at community events in Harlem, the South Bronx, and sections of Brooklyn known for solid Democratic voting records.
“The old way says play it safe. But if we want to grow as a movement, we can’t keep talking to the same people. We have to show up everywhere, even where the numbers don’t look good,” Duran explained.
Several local candidates joined him during the tour, with some crediting his efforts for increasing their visibility. Community members, he added, often expressed surprise at simply seeing a Conservative candidate willing to campaign face-to-face.
Momentum Builds Toward Bronx Rally
The tour’s finale brought him through Manhattan and Brooklyn before closing in his home borough of the Bronx. Looking ahead, Duran announced plans to launch a full-scale GOTV push with a rally scheduled for October 18 in the Bronx. He noted that he will also be holding multiple smaller GOTV events across the city leading up to and after the 18th, which will spotlight his campaign and other Bronx candidates. Sliwa himself has been invited to attend, along with Peter Kefalas, the Republican-Conservative candidate for New York City Comptroller.
Navigating Party Divisions
As Vice Chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party, Duran has faced questions about why he has not formally backed Irene Estrada, the Conservative Party’s own mayoral nominee. He stressed that his approach has been inclusive:
“I have offered my hand to all candidates across the city, including the Conservative Party’s mayoral candidate. It really comes down to time, availability, and execution. We remain in communication, and she has been invited to all of my events.”
Still, Duran was clear about his support for Sliwa:
“Curtis is a hero to many in New York City and beyond. I went from being his opponent to becoming one of his biggest supporters. I have seen the tears in people’s eyes when they finally meet him. I have seen his energy after long days of campaigning, and I have seen him uplift candidates across the city. I will vote for Curtis Sliwa for Mayor of New York City because I believe, hands down, he is the best candidate. I call on Republicans, Conservatives, common-sense Democrats, and all who oppose socialism to join me.”
An Independent Ballot Line Emerges
Beyond party labels, Duran is also leading a separate effort under his own independent ballot line, the United Alliance. Unlike traditional political parties, the United Alliance has no formal party affiliation, giving candidates a way to appear on the ballot outside of the established party structure. Duran has secured the line for himself and six other candidates across New York City.
“Right now, I’m proud of how far I have come. We have built something that cannot be ignored. I am hoping that my request for endorsement from President Donald Trump, which is at the White House, gets approved. I’m looking forward to my NY1 Public Advocate debate, and I want to see my own independent party—the United Alliance candidates—earn some strong numbers.”
Duran said the United Alliance represents a way for voters who feel disconnected from both major parties to have an option that reflects their views. By organizing multiple campaigns under the line, he hopes to build it into a long-term alternative in New York City politics.
Looking Beyond the Current Election
For Duran, the road ahead is about more than his own race. His message, he said, is about reshaping how Conservatives operate in New York City.
“If anyone wants to help in these GOTV efforts, they’re welcome to contact me directly or reach out to Curtis’s team. This is a campaign for everyone who wants to see real change.”
Supporters can learn more about his campaign and get involved at gonzaloduran.nyc.
