Cuomo, Mamdani Clash in Heated NYC Mayoral Debate/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The first New York City mayoral debate saw sharp exchanges between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, with both candidates taking swings but landing few decisive blows. Cuomo tried to paint Mamdani as inexperienced and extreme, while Mamdani countered with criticisms of Cuomo’s past scandals. Curtis Sliwa, though marginalized, also attacked Cuomo and tried to break through as the underdog.
Keyphrase + Quick Looks: NYC Mayoral Debate 2025 Quick Looks
- Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani exchange fierce criticisms
- Mamdani defends progressive agenda, distances from past comments
- Cuomo highlights experience, questions Mamdani’s readiness to govern
- Sliwa tries to remain relevant, criticizes both opponents
- Trump looms large as all candidates react to his threats
- Debate lacks clear winner; second round set for next week
Deep Look
Few Breakthroughs as Cuomo and Mamdani Clash in First NYC Mayoral Debate
NEW YORK (AP) — The first New York City mayoral debate of 2025 was marked by fiery exchanges, rapid-fire accusations, and high-stakes jabs — but few knockout blows — as former Governor Andrew Cuomo, progressive frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, and Republican Curtis Sliwa faced off in a contentious two-hour showdown Thursday night.
For Cuomo, running as an independent in a bid to reclaim political relevance after his resignation four years ago, the debate represented one of his last chances to disrupt Mamdani’s momentum. But the event saw him spending more time defending his record than landing decisive hits.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, worked to project optimism and policy focus while fielding tough questions about his past comments and limited political experience. Sliwa, known for his Guardian Angels anti-crime group and flamboyant style, stood between the ideological poles and often found himself sidelined — both literally and figuratively.
Cuomo and Mamdani Trade Personal and Political Barbs
Cuomo wasted no time targeting Mamdani’s perceived inexperience, declaring that leading the nation’s largest city was “no job for on-the-job training.” He sought to equate Mamdani to unpopular former Mayor Bill de Blasio, dubbing him “Bill de Blasio light.”
Mamdani struck back with references to Cuomo’s pandemic response and the sexual harassment allegations that led to his 2021 resignation.
“What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity,” Mamdani quipped. “What you don’t have in integrity, you can never make up for with experience.”
Although Cuomo is not running on the Democratic Party line, he positioned himself as the debate’s only true Democrat, accusing Mamdani of pursuing an agenda that is out of step with most New Yorkers.
Mamdani Faces Scrutiny Over Israel, Police, and Past Statements
Mamdani’s previous reluctance to condemn phrases like “Globalize the intifada” and his criticisms of Israel’s military actions in Gaza were brought back into the spotlight. On Thursday night, however, Mamdani clearly stated, “Of course I believe that [Hamas] should lay down their arms.”
Cuomo and Sliwa seized on Mamdani’s past positions. Sliwa argued that Mamdani could not be trusted by New York’s Jewish community, citing his controversial comments and the backlash they’ve received. Mamdani, in turn, accused Cuomo of ignoring the city’s Muslim population, claiming it took a political challenge from a Muslim candidate to push Cuomo into visiting a mosque.
Mamdani also addressed his past remarks about policing. Once a vocal advocate for defunding the NYPD, he has since moderated his tone.
“I am not running to defund the police,” he stated. “I am running to actually work with the police to deliver public safety.”
Trump a Central Focus of the Debate
President Donald Trump’s looming influence over New York was front and center throughout the night. Trump has made threats to deport Mamdani, arrest him, and even take over control of New York City if Mamdani is elected.
Mamdani brushed off the rhetoric, saying he would stand up to Trump while being open to cooperation on issues like affordability.
“What New Yorkers need is a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump and actually deliver,” he said.
Cuomo took a more measured approach, declaring he’d work with Trump “where we can,” but warning, “I will fight you every step of the way if you try to hurt New York.”
Sliwa cautioned both candidates against being too confrontational, arguing that antagonizing Trump would harm the city: “If you try to get tough with Trump, New Yorkers will suffer.”
Sliwa Struggles to Break Through
Positioned between the two political heavyweights, Sliwa struggled for airtime. At one point, he complained, “I am being marginalized out of this.”
Despite limited speaking time, Sliwa did land some punches, particularly against Cuomo. After Cuomo talked up his toughness, Sliwa shot back, “You think you’re the toughest guy alive, but let me tell you something — you lost your own primary, rejected by your own Democratic Party.”
Still, the Republican’s chances remain slim, and calls for him to drop out continue to grow.
A Heated Start, But No Clear Winner
The debate ended with no definitive victor. Cuomo failed to reverse his downward trajectory, Mamdani largely held his ground, and Sliwa remained on the periphery. The heated exchanges may have energized their respective bases but seemed unlikely to sway undecided voters.
With a second and final debate scheduled for next week, the race remains volatile — especially in a post-Trump, post-Adams New York political climate.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams dropped his reelection bid after a now-dismissed federal corruption probe and mounting tension with the Trump administration, creating an open field that has redefined the city’s political future.
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