Politics in New York is weird. It’s messy, loud, and often feels like a soap opera written by someone who has spent way too much time on the subways. But even by New York standards, the saga of Melinda Katz and Curtis Sliwa is something else entirely. We’re talking about a veteran Democratic powerhouse—the current Queens District Attorney—and a red-beret-wearing, radio-hosting, cat-loving Republican firebrand.
On paper? It makes zero sense. In reality? It was a decade-long entanglement involving secret children, a sperm donation that turned into a romance, and a lawsuit so toxic it nearly derailed a political career. Honestly, if you tried to pitch this as a Netflix script, they'd tell you it's too unrealistic.
The Secret Father and the "Friendship"
For years, Melinda Katz was the quintessential single mom in the public eye. She was a former City Councilwoman and State Assembly member, a staple of the Forest Hills community. When she had her first son, Carter, in 2008, the father’s identity was a mystery. When she had her second son, Hunter, in 2011, the mystery deepened.
Then came 2012.
The New York Post dropped a bombshell that basically stopped the city in its tracks: Curtis Sliwa was the father. Not just a donor, but a biological father who was now living with Katz in a "modern family" setup.
The backstory is wilder than the reveal. Katz and Sliwa had actually dated way back in the mid-90s. It didn’t work out—they were polar opposites—but they stayed close. Around 1998, Katz faced a medical crisis and had to have an ovary removed. She wanted children and asked Sliwa to be her sperm donor. She told the press later that she trusted him. He was the only person she asked.
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So, they froze his sperm. For over a decade, that was the extent of it. Or was it?
The 2013 Lawsuit That Changed Everything
While Katz and Sliwa were playing house in Queens, Sliwa’s third wife, Mary Sliwa, was filing papers in court. This wasn't a standard "we grew apart" divorce. This was a scorched-earth legal battle.
Mary accused Curtis of being an "inveterate, world-class liar." She claimed that while they were still married, Curtis was sneaking off to Katz’s house for "sexual trysts." According to the lawsuit, Curtis would tell Mary he was at a Mets game or a boxing match, but he was actually in Forest Hills with Melinda.
The most scandalous part? Mary alleged that Curtis and Melinda had "conspired" to drain $405,000 from the marital assets to build a "nest egg" for their new life together.
Katz, who was running for Queens Borough President at the time, found herself on the witness stand in 2013. She was stoic. She didn’t want to talk about the "intimate details." Her team called the lawsuit a political hit job. But the damage to the "platonic sperm donor" narrative was done. Transcripts of voicemails emerged where Katz allegedly told Sliwa, "Thirteen years I've wanted you."
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Why the Relationship Eventually Crumbled
Despite the court drama and the public scrutiny, they tried to make it work. They lived together. They raised the boys. Sliwa, a Catholic, even committed to raising the children in the Jewish tradition to honor Katz’s heritage.
But New York's most unlikely couple couldn't outrun the friction. On Election Day in 2014—the very day Katz was solidifying her power as Queens Borough President—they split up.
Why? It’s kinda complicated. Sliwa is a man who lives for the spotlight and the "anti-establishment" brand. Katz is the ultimate insider, a disciplined prosecutor who eventually became the Queens DA. You can only keep those two worlds together for so long before the centrifugal force pulls them apart.
By 2015, the separation was official. Sliwa eventually moved on and married Nancy Sliwa, another attorney and animal advocate, while Katz remained focused on her trajectory as the top prosecutor in Queens.
The 2026 Perspective: Where Are They Now?
As of early 2026, the dust has largely settled, though the names Melinda Katz and Curtis Sliwa remain forever linked in the New York political lexicon.
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Katz is currently serving as the Queens District Attorney, having weathered a razor-thin primary victory against Tiffany Cabán in 2019 and winning re-election since. She’s focused on gun buybacks, retail theft, and the grueling work of managing the city's most diverse borough. She remains a powerhouse in the Democratic party.
Sliwa hasn't slowed down either. After his 2021 mayoral run where he famously campaigned with a cat in his arms, he jumped back into the ring for the 2025 mayoral race. He’s still the face of the Guardian Angels, still wearing the red beret, and still a constant voice on New York talk radio.
They are a case study in "New York Strange." They share two sons, a history of legal battles, and a political rivalry that spans the entire ideological spectrum.
Actionable Insights: Lessons from the Katz-Sliwa Saga
If you're following New York politics or just interested in how high-profile figures manage complex personal lives, there are a few real takeaways here:
- Political Resiliency: Melinda Katz proved that a candidate can survive a "tabloid" scandal if they stay focused on policy and constituent services. She didn't let the 2013 lawsuit sink her campaign for Borough President.
- The Power of Branding: Curtis Sliwa's "Guardian Angel" brand is so strong that even personal scandals and admissions of "hoax" rescues in his early years haven't erased his base of support.
- Modern Family Complexities: Their story was an early, high-profile example of how IVF and non-traditional family structures can intersect with public life, often leading to legal Gray areas regarding support and assets.
Don't expect a reunion tour. They’ve both carved out very different legacies in a city that rarely gives anyone a second act—let alone a third one.
Next Steps for Following NY Politics:
- Check the latest filings from the Queens DA office for updates on Katz's policy shifts.
- Listen to Sliwa’s recent radio broadcasts to see his current stance on the 2026 budget.
- Review the New York Board of Elections archives for historical context on the 2019 DA recount.