New York City’s three mayoral candidates debated for the first time on television Thursday night. The debate comes as voters get ready to head to the polls in the general election in just a few weeks.
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo — who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary in June — and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa were all on stage.
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Current New York Mayor Eric Adams did not attend the debate, as he dropped out of the race weeks ago.
Topics discussed
During the two-hour debate, the candidates butted heads on every topic. They discussed local issues — including crime, policing, housing and the nation’s largest public school system — and national or international issues, such as how they would handle the Trump administration and their stances on the Gaza ceasefire deal.
One of the biggest topics was Trump himself, and how the candidates would work with him should they be elected.
Mamdani said he’d work with Trump “if it means delivering on lowering the cost of living for New Yorkers.” However, he added, “If he ever wants to come for New Yorkers in the way that he has been, he’s going to have to get through me as the next mayor of this city.”
Cuomo made similar comments. He said he’d work with the president but would fight him if he tried to “hurt New York.”
Sliwa said he would “sit and negotiate” with Trump. All three candidates said they don’t think Trump should send National Guard troops to the city.
Polls show Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary, is the frontrunner in the race.
A second and final debate is scheduled for next week. Election day is Nov. 4.
