Cuomo, Mamdani clash in final NYC mayoral debate


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Summary

Final debate

New York City's mayoral candidates clashed during their final debate on Wednesday night.

Sexual harassment accusations

Zohran Mamdani confronted Andrew Cuomo about sexual harassment allegations, pointing out that 'one of those women, Charlotte Bennett, is in the audience this evening,' and further alleged that Cuomo tried to access her private records and filed a defamation case against her.

Approach to Trump

There was division among the candidates on how to handle President Trump. Andrew Cuomo indicated he would confront the president, while Zohran Mamdani claimed Trump preferred Cuomo to win. Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, suggested that negotiating with Trump was necessary rather than attempting to defeat him.


Full story

With less than two weeks until Election Day in New York City, Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa faced off last night for a final debate. Election day in New York City is Nov. 4.

The night had numerous big moments, one of which came as Cuomo criticized Mamdani, calling him untested and unqualified.

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“You have never had a job, you’ve never accomplished anything. There’s no reason to believe you have any merit or qualification for eight and a half million lives. You don’t know how to run a government,” Cuomo said.

Sexual harassment accusations

But the night’s biggest moment came when Mamdani fired back, telling Cuomo that one of his sexual harassment accusers, Charlotte Bennett, was in the audience.

The audience gasped, then cheered.

“One of those women, Charlotte Bennett, is in the audience this evening,” Mamdani said. “You sought to access her private gynecological records. She cannot speak up because you lodged a defamation case against her. I, however, can speak. What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?” 

Cuomo defended himself by saying that several district attorneys reviewed the allegations and dismissed the cases. Then he attempted to shift focus to foreign policy.

Debating Trump

On substance, both men agreed that ICE has no place in New York City, but were split on how to deal with Trump.

Cuomo said he would confront the president, while Mamdani claimed Trump wanted Cuomo to win.

Sliwa argued that you can’t beat Trump but instead negotiate with him.

Julia Marshall (Morning Digital Producer), Jason K. Morrell (Morning Managing Editor), Emma Stoltzfus (Video Editor), and Devan Markham (Morning Digital Producer) contributed to this report.
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Why this story matters

A televised debate between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo highlights key political tensions, personal accusations and policy divisions ahead of New York City's upcoming mayoral election.

Debate and leadership

The debate showcased challenges to each candidate's leadership credentials and experience, directly impacting voter perceptions ahead of the election.

Sexual harassment allegations

Public discussion of sexual harassment claims against Cuomo, including a direct confrontation during the debate, raises broader questions about accountability and transparency in public office.

Policy disagreements

Differences over handling federal immigration authorities and approaches to the current president reflect deeper policy divides that may influence voter decision-making.

SAN provides
Unbiased. Straight Facts.

Don’t just take our word for it.


Certified balanced reporting

According to media bias experts at AllSides

AllSides Certified Balanced May 2025

Transparent and credible

Awarded a perfect reliability rating from NewsGuard

100/100

Welcome back to trustworthy journalism.

Find out more

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