New York Mayoral Debate: Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa Clash in High-Stakes Showdown Ahead of Election
New York City took center stage Thursday night as the three leading candidates for mayor — Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa — faced off in a heated debate broadcast live from Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. With early voting set to begin next week, the race to lead America’s largest city has intensified, promising political ripples far beyond the five boroughs.
Recent polls show Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman, expanding his lead with 46% support, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, trails at 33%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, continues to make modest gains, drawing attention with his tough-on-crime message.
The debate highlighted not just local issues, but also the national political implications of New York’s leadership choice. With President Donald Trump looming large over American politics, whoever wins City Hall will face pressure from Washington — and potentially influence the direction of the Democratic Party ahead of 2028.
Mamdani Faces Scrutiny Over His Stance on Israel and Palestine
Early in the debate, Mamdani faced tough questions about his support for Palestinians and past comments on Israel. The Queens assemblyman has been outspoken in advocating Palestinian statehood and has sharply criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
His refusal to condemn the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada” previously drew criticism from opponents. On stage, Mamdani sought to strike a unifying tone, pledging to serve “all New Yorkers — regardless of religion or background.”
Cuomo, however, seized the opportunity to attack, calling Mamdani “a divisive personality across the board.” He accused the progressive candidate of alienating large sections of the city’s Jewish population at a time when unity is essential.
Trump’s Shadow Over the Debate
Although three candidates stood on stage, Donald Trump’s name echoed throughout the night. The president’s policies toward major Democratic cities, particularly his threats to deploy the National Guard and withhold federal funds from New York, loomed large in the discussion.
Mamdani was quick to frame himself as Trump’s fiercest opponent. “I will take on Donald Trump every step of the way,” he declared. Cuomo, meanwhile, touted his experience battling the Trump administration during his years as governor, telling viewers, “When I’m fighting for New York, I don’t stop.”
Sliwa took a more pragmatic approach, arguing that the next mayor must “learn to work with Washington” — even under a Trump presidency — to secure federal funding and protect city interests.
Cuomo warned that a Mamdani victory could sour relations with the White House, adding dramatically, “If Zohran wins, it will be Mayor Trump running this city.”
Affordability Dominates the Night
Beyond national politics, the debate centered on the issue most pressing to New Yorkers: affordability. Skyrocketing rents, grocery prices, and public transit costs have put the cost of living at the forefront of the mayoral race.
Sliwa opened his remarks by acknowledging “the serious affordability crisis crushing New Yorkers.” He called for freeing up vacant NYCHA apartments to provide housing for thousands still on waiting lists.
The moderators pressed the candidates with personal questions — including how much they pay for rent and groceries, and whether they carry credit card debt — a rare attempt to humanize the debate around economic realities.
Mamdani proposed free city bus service as a way to ease commuting costs for low-income residents. Cuomo countered with a plan to impose income limits on tenants in rent-stabilized apartments, arguing that the system should prioritize those most in need.
The exchange turned heated when Cuomo criticized Mamdani for living in a rent-stabilized apartment despite his family’s wealth — his mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair.
“If you think the problem is that my rent is too low, vote for him,” Mamdani fired back. “If you know the real problem is that your rent is too high, vote for me.”
Cuomo rejected Mamdani’s proposal for a citywide rent freeze, warning it would hurt small landlords and “push buildings into bankruptcy.” He argued instead for targeted subsidies and zoning reforms to stimulate new affordable housing.
Cuomo Confronts His Controversies
Cuomo, 67, leaned heavily on his long record in public service — from serving as U.S. Housing Secretary under President Bill Clinton to his three terms as New York governor. But his turbulent exit from office in 2021 still hangs over his campaign.
He resigned after a state attorney general’s investigation found that he had sexually harassed 11 women. Cuomo has apologized for behavior that “made people uncomfortable” but continues to deny the allegations.
Mamdani confronted him directly on stage, accusing him of “lacking integrity” and of “sending seniors to their deaths in nursing homes” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The former governor defended his record, insisting that his administration followed federal health guidance.
“My heart breaks for everyone who lost loved ones,” Cuomo said. “But those claims about intentionally harming seniors are totally false.”
Sliwa joined in, referencing the “lawsuits filed against you for harassment.” Cuomo fired back, labeling the investigation by Attorney General Letitia James “a political attack.”
Despite the controversy, Cuomo positioned himself as the most seasoned candidate, saying, “Experience matters — especially when you’re facing Washington and the world.”
Curtis Sliwa Makes His Presence Felt
Though trailing in the polls, Curtis Sliwa proved to be a forceful presence. As the lone Republican on stage, he focused on crime prevention and public safety, issues that have resonated with many voters frustrated by rising concerns about law and order.
Drawing on his experience as founder of the Guardian Angels, Sliwa argued that the city needs “tough leadership and street-level accountability.”
He frequently interrupted the moderators to demand more speaking time and directly challenged both opponents. “I’m the only one up here who’s walked these streets at 2 a.m. protecting New Yorkers,” he quipped, drawing applause.
After the debate, Sliwa said his performance went “extraordinarily well,” likening Cuomo and Mamdani to “two kids in a schoolyard fight.”
What’s Next for New York
With early voting just days away, the mayoral race has become a defining moment for the city — and perhaps for the Democratic Party nationwide.
If Mamdani wins, it could signal a major shift toward progressive urban politics in America’s largest city. A Cuomo comeback would reinforce centrist pragmatism within the party, while a strong Sliwa showing could prove that public safety remains a potent Republican issue even in deep-blue New York.
Whatever the outcome, Thursday night’s debate made one thing clear: New York’s future — and perhaps the political tone of the entire country — hangs in the balance.