With the New York mayoral election approaching, the latest NYC mayoral debate turned into a fierce face-off between Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. As Mamdani continues to lead by double digits in recent polls, his rivals came prepared to challenge his record, his experience, and his views on law enforcement, Hamas, and public safety. The two-hour debate revealed sharp contrasts in leadership styles and political visions for New York City.
Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Hamas Comments
One of the most talked-about moments came when Mamdani appeared to revise his earlier comments about Hamas. During the debate, he clarified his stance, saying, “Of course I believe that they should lay down their arms.” His statement followed a moderator’s question referencing his prior interview with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum, where he had dodged a similar question.
“I’m proud to be one of the first elected officials to call for a ceasefire,” Mamdani said. “That means all parties must stop fighting and allow humanitarian aid to flow freely.” He emphasized that his position seeks an end to violence on all sides and hopes for lasting peace in the region.
Cuomo and Sliwa seized the opportunity to criticize Mamdani’s earlier refusal to condemn controversial phrases like “from the river to the sea” and “globalize the intifada,” which many view as anti-Semitic. Sliwa confronted him directly, saying, “Jews don’t trust that you will be there for them when they face antisemitic attacks.”
Mamdani replied that he intends to serve all New Yorkers, including Jewish communities, through concrete actions rather than political theatrics.
Candidates United Against National Guard Deployment
Another major issue was the potential deployment of National Guard troops in New York City by President Donald Trump. All three candidates firmly opposed the idea.
Mamdani asserted that “New Yorkers need a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump and truly deliver on safety.” He criticized Cuomo for previously downplaying federal actions against immigrants, saying, “When Trump sent ICE agents to cities, Cuomo said not to overreact. That’s not leadership.”
Cuomo countered that public safety requires smarter policing, not military intervention. “The answer in the subways isn’t more National Guard,” he said. “It’s more NYPD presence and better coordination.”
Sliwa agreed that bringing in troops would send the wrong message, reinforcing the shared stance against federal overreach.
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Cuomo Questions Mamdani’s Experience
Cuomo launched one of the debate’s most personal attacks, questioning Mamdani’s qualifications. “He has no experience,” Cuomo said bluntly. “You can’t run a $115 billion budget or lead 300,000 employees without management or financial experience.”
He continued, “He literally has never had a job. This isn’t a role for a first-timer. Every day brings risks — a pandemic, a natural disaster, a terror threat. Without experience, lives are at stake.”
Mamdani shot back sharply, referencing Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If we have another health crisis, why would New Yorkers trust the governor who sent seniors to their deaths?” he said. “What I lack in experience, I make up for in integrity — and what you lack in integrity, you can never replace with experience.”
Cuomo brushed off the nursing home remarks as “a political investigation that went nowhere,” but the exchange highlighted deep tensions over leadership and accountability.
Policing and Public Safety Take Center Stage
The debate also revisited Mamdani’s past statements about defunding the police. Cuomo accused him of undermining law enforcement. “Respect the police,” Cuomo said. “They’re not racists or a threat to public safety. They protect New Yorkers.”
Sliwa took the chance to jab at Cuomo, recalling, “Your parole board released 43 cop killers. Your father released none. You’re no Mario Cuomo.”
Mamdani defended his record, saying he no longer supports defunding the NYPD but wants reform through better community programs. “I’m working to ensure public safety through compassion and accountability,” he said. “That’s why I propose deploying mental health outreach teams to major subway stations where crises are most frequent.”
His plan, he added, focuses on reducing unnecessary confrontations between police and vulnerable individuals while improving emergency responses citywide.
A Race Tightens Amid Fiery Exchanges
The debate underscored a growing intensity in the race. Polls still show Mamdani with a solid lead, but Cuomo’s aggressive strategy and Sliwa’s populist tone may narrow the gap in the final weeks before the vote.
While Mamdani emphasized progressive ideals and community reform, Cuomo positioned himself as the seasoned leader ready to restore order and confidence. Sliwa, meanwhile, played the outsider, leaning into his image as a tough, street-smart voice for safety and discipline.
Each candidate tried to portray themselves as the real advocate for everyday New Yorkers — the workers, commuters, and families worried about safety and cost of living. As election day nears, their fiery exchanges have not just fueled headlines but also reshaped the tone of the race.
The NYC mayoral debate revealed stark divisions in vision but shared urgency for change — a reflection of a city still grappling with recovery, reform, and redefining leadership in uncertain times.
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