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Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani opened Thursday night’s New York mayoral debate promising to lower costs for city residents — then spent the next 50 minutes in a fierce and often personal fight over integrity, experience, crime, the war in Gaza, and President Donald Trump’s influence on the race.
The debate, aired on NBC New York and Telemundo New York in partnership with Politico, featured Mamdani, the Democratic nominee; Cuomo, the former governor now running as an independent; and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. It was the first time all three shared a stage since Mayor Eric Adams exited the race.
Mamdani, a state assemblyman and self-described Democratic socialist, entered the debate with a solid polling lead. Cuomo, who resigned as governor amid sexual-harassment allegations he denies, has gained ground in recent weeks, portraying himself as a steady hand for a city facing fiscal strain and federal uncertainty under Trump.
Clashing Over Integrity and Experience
Cuomo argued that City Hall “is no job for on-the-job training,” to which Mamdani shot back: “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity. And what you don’t have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience.”
The exchange set the tone for the rest of the night, with both men attacking each other’s records and motives.
Trump’s Shadow Over the City
Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funds from New York if Mamdani wins next month, a topic that dominated much of the debate. Mamdani said he would “fight each of those threats, not treat them as law,” while Cuomo dismissed the idea that Trump would actually follow through.
“No,” Cuomo said emphatically when asked whether Trump would punish the city regardless of who wins. “No!”
Republican nominee Sliwa sought to distinguish himself as the only candidate who could “negotiate” with Trump, warning that Mamdani’s confrontational stance could cost the city billions in aid.
Divided Democrats and the Gaza Question
The two leading candidates also battled over the meaning of being a Democrat. Cuomo accused Mamdani of belonging to a “fringe movement” and of failing to support Vice President Kamala Harris in last year’s election. Mamdani replied that Cuomo “isn’t the Democrat on the ballot who will stand up to Trump and his donors — I am.”
The war in Gaza drew some of the sharpest exchanges. Mamdani reiterated his criticism of Israel’s conduct, calling it a “genocide,” and expressed hope that a recent ceasefire would hold. Cuomo accused him of “speaking in code” and of refusing to “denounce Hamas,” charges Mamdani denied.
“I, like many New Yorkers, am hopeful that this ceasefire will hold,” Mamdani said. “As the first Muslim mayor of this city, I will ensure that every New Yorker — Jewish, Muslim, every single person — will belong.”
Cuomo retorted: “He is a divisive personality across the board.”
Crime, Costs and Cuomo’s Comeback Attempt
On crime, Mamdani said he has apologized for past anti-police comments and wants a “balanced approach” that values both safety and justice. Cuomo countered that Mamdani “doesn’t like the police” and “won’t hire more cops.”
The debate’s final segment centered on affordability. Mamdani said he pays $2,300 in rent, compared with $7,800 for Cuomo, underscoring their differing perspectives. Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s proposals for free bus service and expanded housing subsidies, arguing they were unrealistic.
“It’s been an hour and twenty minutes,” Mamdani said near the end, “and we haven’t heard Gov. Cuomo say the word ‘affordability.’ That’s why he lost the primary.”
Both men, however, found one rare point of agreement: their admiration for Fiorello LaGuardia, the Depression-era mayor known for his populist leadership.
“We agree,” Mamdani said with a smile.
