The NYC mayoral debate featured intense clashes between frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Key issues included Mamdani's stance on Palestine and Israel, Trump's influence on city politics, affordability, and Cuomo's past controversies. Each candidate pitched solutions on housing and crime, with Sliwa emphasizing public safety, Cuomo defending his record, and Mamdani championing progressive reforms.
Five Key Takeaways from NYC Mayoral Debate as Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa Spar Over Major Issues
The top three candidates vying to lead New York City faced off at a heated debate on Thursday night at Rockefeller Center, where they clashed over everything from housing affordability and Donald Trump to Gaza and past controversies.
With early voting set to begin next week, the debate revealed sharp contrasts among progressive frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican challenger Curtis Sliwa. Here are the five major takeaways:
1. Mamdani’s Support for Palestinians Sparks Fierce Exchange
Mamdani’s prior statements on Israel and Palestinian rights took center stage during the debate. The moderators and his opponents, especially Cuomo, repeatedly challenged his views.
Cuomo criticized Mamdani for refusing to condemn the slogan "globalise the intifada," which many Jewish groups interpret as antisemitic, though pro-Palestinian advocates argue it's a call for international solidarity.
Cuomo also demanded to know why Mamdani wouldn’t denounce Hamas or leftist streamer Hasan Piker, who once controversially claimed “America deserved 9/11.” Mamdani responded by labeling Piker’s comments as “objectionable and reprehensible,” and reiterated his position that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate international law.
Pressed further, Mamdani insisted he would represent all New Yorkers, including the city’s large and diverse Jewish population, and rejected claims that he was divisive. Cuomo, however, called Mamdani “a divisive personality across the board.”
2. Donald Trump Was the Debate’s Unseen Fourth Candidate
Though not physically present, Donald Trump’s influence loomed large throughout the debate. His immigration policies, threats to withhold federal funds, and talk of deploying the National Guard in Democrat-led cities made him a major topic.
Mamdani opened the night by vowing to "take on Trump." Cuomo claimed he had the experience to handle the current White House, warning voters, “If Mamdani wins, it will be Mayor Trump.”
“I’ve fought Donald Trump before, and I’ll keep fighting for New York,” he declared.
Sliwa, meanwhile, took a pragmatic stance, arguing that the next mayor must know how to work with Trump regardless of political differences.
3. Affordability Takes Center Stage
While Trump dominated the political discussion, the rising cost of living was the number one policy issue.
Each candidate pitched plans to address unaffordable housing and living costs. Sliwa proposed opening vacant NYCHA apartments to those in need. Mamdani unveiled a bold plan to make city buses free, while Cuomo floated income limits for rent-stabilized housing.
Cuomo took aim at Mamdani’s personal housing situation, pointing out he lives in a rent-stabilized apartment despite coming from a wealthy family — his mother is filmmaker Mira Nair. He argued Mamdani’s proposed rent freeze could bankrupt building owners and ignore renters not covered by stabilization laws.
If you think the problem is that my rent is too low, vote for him,” Mamdani fired back.
If you know the problem is that your rent is too high, vote for me.”
Polls show Mamdani leading Cuomo 46% to 33%, with Sliwa trailing but still making noise.
4. Cuomo's Controversial Past Still Haunts Him
Despite highlighting his long career in government — from federal housing secretary under Clinton to New York governor — Cuomo faced scrutiny over his resignation in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment from 11 women.
Mamdani directly confronted Cuomo on the issue, along with accusations of mishandling Covid-19 nursing home deaths.
Cuomo denied any wrongdoing and said multiple investigations showed his administration followed federal guidance. “Yes, people died during Covid, and my heart breaks for all who lost someone,” he said.
Sliwa didn’t let up either, reminding viewers of the harassment lawsuits against Cuomo. In response, Cuomo accused State Attorney General Letitia James of launching a politically motivated investigation.
5. Sliwa Holds His Ground as the Lone Republican
Though clearly the underdog in a heavily Democratic city, Curtis Sliwa made his presence felt. As the founder of the Guardian Angels, Sliwa emphasized public safety and crime prevention — issues that have resonated with a growing number of New Yorkers.
He was assertive throughout the debate, often jumping into heated exchanges between Mamdani and Cuomo, and portraying them as out-of-touch.
Afterward, Sliwa declared the debate had gone “extraordinarily well” for him, describing his rivals as “two kids in a schoolyard.”
The Bigger Picture
The results of this election could reverberate far beyond New York City. National Democrats are watching to see if voters choose a progressive like Mamdani or a centrist with baggage like Cuomo. Meanwhile, Republicans are watching whether Sliwa’s tough-on-crime message can carve out a larger base in the nation's biggest city.
With tensions high and early voting days away, the race for New York City mayor is far from over.