New York City Mayoral Candidates Clash in Final Debate

Thu Oct 23 2025 09:38:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the NYC mayoral election approaches, Democrat Zohran Mamdani faces increasing pressure while former Governor Andrew Cuomo backs Republican Curtis Sliwa as a potential spoiler.

In a critical lead-up to New York City's mayoral election, candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa engage in a contentious final debate. While Mamdani seeks to maintain his lead, Cuomo pressures Sliwa to withdraw, declaring him a 'spoiler'. Despite the challenges, Sliwa is determined to stay in the race, and Mamdani aims to keep the focus on voters rather than his opponents.

As New York City's mayoral election draws closer, the candidates are standing on the brink of their final debate this evening. Democrat Zohran Mamdani is striving to consolidate his lead in a race that increasingly looks favorable to him. Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has intensified his efforts by strongly urging Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to withdraw, arguing that Sliwa's candidacy could lead to a Mamdani victory.

In the days leading up to the early voting, Cuomo is audibly rallying conservative voters to back him instead of Sliwa, whom he labels as a mere 'spoiler' who stands in the way of a more viable choice in the election.

Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels crime patrol, has firmly rejected any notion of exiting the race, increasing his criticisms of Cuomo as a result. Last week’s first debate saw Mamdani weather multiple attacks from Cuomo, but the assembly member remains committed to focusing on the concerns of NYC residents during the scheduled 90-minute discussion today, set to be aired live.

“While my opponents are busy bickering about each other's candidacy, my attention is squarely on New Yorkers and their concerns,” Mamdani stated. The campaign team of Mamdani teased a bold strategy by indicating he would bring guests affected by Cuomo’s past policies to the debate, setting the stage for a direct confrontation.

In contrast, Sliwa is using his platform to reinforce his place as a legitimate challenger, declaring, “The billionaires will not decide who becomes the next mayor; the people will.” This sentiment reflects a growing support base eager to see the Republican candidate stay in the race.

Amidst this, Mamdani's candidacy has been subjected to scrutiny regarding his political experience and controversial stances, while he has effectively turned the narrative around Cuomo’s tumultuous tenure, particularly during the pandemic and the subsequent harassment accusations against him.

The debate will mark a pivotal point for the candidates as they seek to sway public opinion ahead of early voting.