New York City mayoral hopefuls Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa aimed to slow Democrat Zohran Mamdani’s rising support during the first general election debate, reported The Associated Press (AP).
For Cuomo, now running as an independent, the debate was a crucial opportunity to sway voters. He sought to convince the electorate that Mamdani, who defeated him in the Democratic primary this summer, was not the right choice for mayor.
The contest also represents Cuomo’s attempt at a political comeback after resigning as governor four years ago amid sexual harassment allegations. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, approached the debate from a position of strength but faced intense scrutiny from Cuomo. The state assemblyman talked about lowering living costs for lower- and middle-income New Yorkers, advocating for greater government support rather than prioritising the wealthy.
Cuomo attacked Mamdani’s limited executive experience, saying, as per AP “This is not a job for a first timer.” Mamdani countered, pointing to integrity as his key qualification: “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity. What you don’t have in integrity, you can never make up for in experience,” he said.
Questions over Israel
Some of Mamdani’s positions, including raising taxes on the wealthy and critiquing Israeli military actions in Gaza, have unsettled centrist voters. Cuomo sought to frame Mamdani as a potential risk to the city’s finances and social stability, presenting himself as a more experienced manager.
Mamdani addressed questions regarding Hamas, saying, “Of course I believe that they should lay down their arms,” clarifying comments he sidestepped earlier in the week, reported AP.
Trump’s shadow
President Donald Trump, who has threatened to arrest Mamdani, deport him, and even assume control of the city if Mamdani wins, featured prominently in the discussion. Mamdani pledged to stand up to Trump while remaining open to collaboration on issues like affordability: “What New Yorkers need is a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump and actually deliver,” he said according to AP.
Cuomo warned that a Mamdani victory could result in a “Mayor Trump” scenario and pledged, “I will fight you every step of the way if you try to hurt New York.” Sliwa warned that a confrontational approach toward Trump could harm the city. “If you try to get tough with Trump, New Yorkers will suffer.”
‘I am being marginalised’
The Republican candidate found himself between Cuomo and Mamdani on stage, occasionally complaining about limited speaking time: “I am being marginalised out of this,” reported AP.
He also targeted both opponents, saying to Cuomo, “You think you’re the toughest guy alive, but let me tell you something, you lost your own primary, rejected by your own Democratic party.”
Sliwa has resisted calls to leave the race.
Despite the debate, little has shifted in the mayoral race. A Quinnipiac University poll of likely New York City voters in early October found Mamdani maintaining a lead over Cuomo. While Cuomo may have gained slightly from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams’ withdrawal, the overall race trajectory remains largely unchanged. Adams is still on the November ballot, as he did not formally withdraw before the deadline.
The candidates are scheduled to meet for a second and final debate next week.
(With inputs from agencies)
