Tensions High in NYC Mayoral Debate as Candidates Clash

Sat Oct 18 2025 06:28:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani exchanged sharp blows during the highly charged first debate of the New York City mayoral race, with the former governor attempting to regain political footing against his rival. Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, also joined in the fray.

In a contentious debate centered on affordability, integrity, and past controversies, former governor Andrew Cuomo faced off against Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The night highlighted Cuomo's struggle to sway voters while Mamdani maintained a hopeful angle despite attacks on his experience and background. Critics question the implications of Trump's influence as the candidates prepare for their final debate next week.

NEW YORK — In what many are calling the most heated debate of the New York City mayoral race, former Governor Andrew Cuomo and candidate Zohran Mamdani traded accusations and strategic jabs as they tackled key issues like affordability and integrity.

The debate, which took place Thursday evening, showcased Mamdani's attempts to maintain a confident and optimistic demeanor in the face of direct attacks on his resume and plans for the city. Cuomo, now running as an independent, positioned himself as the experienced candidate, repeatedly emphasizing that leading the city requires seasoned judgment.

“Being mayor is no job for on-the-job training,” Cuomo stated, while accusing Mamdani of lacking the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of New York City governance.

On the defense, Mamdani pivoted to Cuomo’s past controversies, challenging his credibility with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic response as well as ongoing sexual harassment allegations that haunt Cuomo's political comeback bid.

“What I lack in experience, I make up for in integrity,” Mamdani countered fiercely. “What you lack in integrity, you can’t compensate with experience.”

Republican Curtis Sliwa also entered the debate fray, positioning himself as the voice of the underdog yet often directing his criticisms towards Cuomo. His attempts to gain ground in the race underscored the dynamics between the leading candidates, each leveraging their differences to appeal to voters.

As faces turned tense, Sliwa remarked, “You lost your own primary, rejected by your own Democratic Party,” directly challenging Cuomo’s credibility amid what many see as a contentious election.

Amid discussions surrounding potential collaborations or confrontations with President Trump, the candidates portrayed a diverse array of strategies, heightening the stakes as they moved closer to the election. With a second debate scheduled for next week, all eyes remain on how these exchanges will influence voter sentiment leading into one of the most closely watched races in the nation.