(NewsNation) — Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa said he will not drop out of New York City's mayoral race despite trailing in polls and facing pressure to withdraw, insisting voters should decide the election rather than "billionaires, influences and insiders."

"I don't know how many times I have to say it. I'm the only Republican candidate. I'm the law and order candidate," Sliwa said during an interview on "The Hill on NewsNation" from Staten Island. "Why would I want to drop out?"

Sliwa's polling average currently stands at 17%, according to Decision Desk HQ, nearly half his 28% showing when he lost the mayoral race four years ago.

The race has drawn extraordinary early voting turnout, with roughly five times as many ballots cast compared to 2021, as progressive Democrat Zoh

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