Cuomo, Mamdani, Sliwa Battle Over Trump, Harassment, ICE/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In the final New York City mayoral debate, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa traded sharp attacks over experience, sexual harassment allegations, and their handling of federal involvement in city affairs. Mamdani defended his progressive agenda while Cuomo and Sliwa criticized his record and qualifications. With Election Day near, tensions boiled over as candidates fought for political survival and public trust.
NYC Mayoral Debate Quick Looks
- Mamdani criticized for limited experience and policy ambiguity
- Cuomo confronted over sexual harassment allegations; Mamdani brought accuser to debate
- Sliwa labeled both rivals unserious, joked about resumes and scandals
- Candidates addressed Canal Street immigration sweep, ICE, and local policing
- Trump loomed large: each positioned themselves as best to handle him
- Mamdani accused Cuomo of being Trump’s “puppet”
- Cuomo said Mamdani’s win would invite federal overreach in NYC
Deep Look: Chaos, Clashes, and Accusations in Final NYC Mayoral Debate
NEW YORK — With just days until voters head to the polls, the final New York City mayoral debate erupted into a bitter clash between the three top candidates: Democratic socialist and frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent, and Republican Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.
Held at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, the event showcased fierce personal and political attacks, with each candidate aiming to land decisive blows in the heated final stretch of the 2025 mayoral race.
Barbs and One-Liners Fly
Mamdani opened by pledging to rise above personal attacks and focus on affordability and public services — issues he says drive his campaign. But the Assemblymember quickly pivoted to offense, calling out Cuomo and Sliwa for being “obsessed with each other” and stuck in the past.
“Cuomo is a desperate man, lashing out because the one thing he cares about — power — is slipping away,” Mamdani said.
Cuomo returned fire, questioning Mamdani’s qualifications and political maturity. “You’ve never had a job. You’ve never accomplished anything,” Cuomo said. “You’re not ready to run the biggest city in America.”
Sliwa, known for his bombastic style, mocked both rivals in equal measure. “Zohran, your resume could fit on a cocktail napkin. And Andrew, your failures could fill a public school library in New York City,” he quipped, while slamming their mutual obsession with power.
Local Policy and Federal Overreach Collide
Beyond the personal attacks, candidates were asked to respond to major local concerns: crime, the crumbling subway system, and the future of Rikers Island.
Mamdani, who once campaigned to defund the police, surprised some viewers by saying he would retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected. He dodged taking firm stances on several local ballot initiatives, drawing criticism from his opponents for what they called a lack of leadership.
All three candidates condemned the week’s immigration enforcement raids on Canal Street that saw 14 vendors arrested. Mamdani and Cuomo both opposed ICE involvement in the city.
“ICE is a reckless entity that cares little for the law and even less for the people they’re supposed to serve,” Mamdani said.
Cuomo agreed, stating, “We do not need federal agents arresting vendors over counterfeit handbags.”
Trump Becomes a Central Character
Though the race is local, national politics overshadowed much of the debate — particularly the looming influence of President Donald Trump. Cuomo warned that Mamdani’s progressive platform would embolden Trump to meddle in New York’s affairs.
“He’s said he’ll take over New York if Mamdani wins — and he will,” Cuomo warned. “He sees him as a child.”
Mamdani countered by suggesting Cuomo’s relationship with Trump was more concerning.
“He wants Andrew Cuomo to be mayor not for New Yorkers, but because it helps him,” Mamdani said, calling Cuomo a “puppet” for Trump.
Sliwa took a different approach, suggesting both rivals were poking the bear: “You can’t beat Trump,” he said. “But you can work around him if you’re smart.”
Sexual Harassment Allegations Resurface
Cuomo continued to be dogged by the sexual misconduct allegations that led to his resignation as governor. In a bold move, Mamdani invited Charlotte Bennett — one of the 13 women who accused Cuomo of harassment — to sit in the audience.
Channeling Trump’s 2016 debate strategy, Mamdani pressed Cuomo directly: “What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?”
Cuomo denied the allegations and dismissed Mamdani’s tactics as immature and theatrical. “If you want to be in government, then you have to be serious and mature,” he replied.
Bennett has publicly accused Cuomo of making invasive and inappropriate comments during her time as an aide. Cuomo has consistently denied wrongdoing and has never been criminally charged.
Final Remarks and Voter Attention
With the debate airing simultaneously with the Knicks season opener, even the candidates acknowledged many voters might be tuning out the politics. Cuomo left immediately after the debate’s conclusion and was later seen courtside with current Mayor Eric Adams, drawing speculation about political alliances.
Each candidate used the debate to reinforce their core appeal: Mamdani as a bold progressive voice, Cuomo as a battle-tested political veteran, and Sliwa as the anti-establishment wildcard.
Whether the fireworks will shift momentum before Election Day remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — this was no ordinary mayoral race, and the outcome could reshape New York City’s future far beyond 2025.
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