The first televised debate for New York City’s mayoral race took place on Thursday night, featuring Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. With just weeks before Election Day, the debate was marked by sharp exchanges on key issues such as crime, housing, and affordability. While Cuomo and Mamdani tussled over leadership experience and integrity, Sliwa took aim at both candidates, offering his own vision for the city’s future.
Cuomo vs. Mamdani: Experience and Integrity
Andrew Cuomo, seeking a political comeback after his resignation in 2021, wasted no time challenging Mamdani’s qualifications, calling him inexperienced for such an important role. “This is no job for on-the-job training,” Cuomo argued, criticizing Mamdani for lacking management experience. Mamdani, 33, countered by emphasizing his time as a state assemblyman and his lived experiences as a New York City resident, asserting that his integrity more than compensated for his lack of political experience. “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity,” he said.
Sliwa Criticizes Both Candidates
Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee and founder of the Guardian Angels, frequently interjected during the debate, taking aim at both Cuomo and Mamdani. He dismissed Mamdani’s plans as unrealistic, labeling them “fantasies,” and also criticized Cuomo for losing the Democratic primary earlier this year. Sliwa’s comments frequently cut across the debate, positioning him as an outsider willing to challenge both major-party candidates.
Trump’s Legacy in the Debate
Former President Donald Trump was a frequent topic throughout the night, with each candidate offering their stance on how they would handle his administration if elected. Mamdani stated that he would be willing to work with Trump if it meant reducing the cost of living for New Yorkers but emphasized that he would fiercely protect the city from any attempts to harm it. Cuomo echoed this sentiment, saying he would cooperate with Trump but push back if the former president sought to hurt New York. Sliwa, in contrast, indicated he would engage in direct negotiations with Trump.
Gaza Ceasefire Controversy
The recent Gaza ceasefire deal was also discussed, with Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israeli policies, calling for all parties to lay down arms to ensure humanitarian aid access. Cuomo, questioning Mamdani’s stance, accused him of refusing to denounce Hamas. Mamdani pushed back forcefully, calling Cuomo’s criticisms a misrepresentation of his position. The debate over foreign policy became tense as Mamdani defended his views, while Cuomo attacked him for what he saw as ambiguity.
Policing and Safety in NYC
A significant portion of the debate focused on policing and public safety. Mamdani, who had previously advocated for defunding the police during protests over police brutality, has since walked back that stance, proposing a department of community safety that would integrate mental health teams to address relevant 911 calls. Cuomo proposed hiring 5,000 new officers, with 1,500 assigned to patrol subways, while Sliwa called for an even greater expansion of the police force with 7,000 new hires.
Affordable Housing and Cost of Living
Mamdani, who has focused much of his campaign on affordability, laid out proposals for increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and freezing rent hikes on stabilized apartments. He also criticized Cuomo for ignoring affordability, pointing out that the former governor had not mentioned the issue for over an hour during the debate. Cuomo, however, took a different approach, arguing that his proposed policies would better address the city’s economic challenges.
Final Showdown Before Election Day
The poll results leading up to the debate showed Mamdani leading with 46% support among likely voters, followed by Cuomo at 33%, and Sliwa at 15%. With the election just a few weeks away, the final debate on October 22nd promises to be a critical moment for all three candidates.