Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa trade blows in first Mayoral debate

NEW YORK: In a heated and combative first mayoral debate, New York City’s three leading candidates, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa, took the stage on Thursday night to present starkly different visions for the city’s future, just weeks ahead of Election Day.

The televised showdown featured Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who exited the race earlier this fall, was notably absent.

For nearly two hours, the candidates sparred over key issues such as crime, housing, transportation, affordability, and how they would work with the Trump administration. The debate also touched on foreign policy flashpoints, including the Gaza ceasefire.

MAMDANI, CUOMO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD

Tensions flared early between Mamdani and Cuomo, the two frontrunners, as they frequently interrupted one another, trading sharp barbs over experience, integrity, and leadership readiness.

Cuomo, who stepped down as governor in 2021 following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, dismissed Mamdani’s credentials. “This is no job for on-the-job training,” he said, accusing the 33-year-old Queens assemblyman of lacking executive experience.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, countered by highlighting his personal ties to the city and five years in the state legislature. “I’ve paid rent here, waited for the bus, and shopped for groceries in this city,” he said. When Cuomo questioned his readiness, Mamdani shot back, “What I lack in experience, I make up for in integrity, something you can’t buy with decades in office.”

Cuomo was later pressed about the sexual harassment claims and his administration’s controversial handling of COVID-19 nursing home deaths. He stood by his record, stating, “None of that amounted to anything,” while defending his conduct in office, the Guardian said in a report.

SLIWA ATTACKS BOTH SIDES

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and the Republican nominee, used the debate to position himself as an outsider unafraid to criticize both major rivals. He derided Mamdani’s platform as “delusional” and mocked Cuomo for his primary loss. Sliwa also brought up Cuomo’s past scandals, saying New Yorkers “deserve better than recycled leadership.”

On Trump, Sliwa said he would be open to dialogue with the former president but stressed he wouldn’t jeopardize federal funding, “You can’t be tough with Washington if it costs New Yorkers.”

Mamdani said he’d engage with the Trump administration to secure economic relief but warned, “If Trump comes after New Yorkers, he’ll have to go through me.” Cuomo echoed a similar stance, promising to cooperate when possible, but push back when necessary.

GAZA CEASEFIRE AND GLOBAL POLITICS ENTER THE FRAY

International affairs briefly entered the debate when candidates were asked about the recent Gaza ceasefire. Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign, said Hamas must lay down its arms but emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Cuomo accused Mamdani of evading a clear condemnation of Hamas, suggesting he was “speaking in code.” Mamdani retorted by calling Cuomo a “spokesman for Netanyahu,” and defended his position as a call for peace and unity among all New Yorkers.

POLICING AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Policing drew some of the clearest distinctions between the candidates. Mamdani, who once supported defunding the NYPD during the 2020 protests, walked back that stance during the debate. He emphasized a plan to create a Department of Community Safety and deploy mental health teams for specific 911 calls.

Cuomo proposed hiring 5,000 new officers, with 1,500 assigned to the subway system. Sliwa upped the ante, calling for 7,000 new hires and the restoration of qualified immunity for officers.

TRANSIT AND AFFORDABILITY

Public transportation and cost-of-living issues also took center stage. Mamdani promoted a “fast and free” bus system, while Cuomo warned it could turn into “a moving shelter for the homeless,” funded by wealthier commuters.

When asked about weekly grocery expenses, Mamdani estimated $125, Cuomo $150, and Sliwa $175 — figures used to highlight their differing connections to average New Yorkers.

Mamdani, who has made affordability a cornerstone of his campaign, vowed to freeze rent increases, raise taxes on the wealthy, and build more affordable housing. He criticized Cuomo for failing to mention affordability for most of the debate, quipping, “That’s why he lost the primary.”

FINAL STRETCH BEFORE THE VOTE

With just under three weeks to go until Election Day on November 4, a recent poll showed Mamdani leading with 46 per cent of likely voters, followed by Cuomo at 33 per cent, and Sliwa at 15 per cent.

The second and final debate is set for Wednesday, October 22. Early voting begins October 25 and runs through November 2.

Next debate is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, while early voting begins on October 25. The Election Day is scheduled on Tuesday, November 4.