With the New York City mayoral election less than three weeks away, the top three contenders faced off in the initial of two scheduled televised debates.
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani maintains a strong lead in the polls, yet Thursday’s two-hour debate offered his opponents a platform to present their arguments and attempt to narrow the margin.
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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa directed familiar criticisms at Mamdani, a 34-year-old assemblyman who has emerged as a rising figure within the Democratic Party.
Though this is a city-level election, its significance extends beyond local boundaries, resonating nationally and even internationally.
Mamdani’s decisive primary win over Cuomo in June sent ripples throughout the U.S., symbolizing a notable triumph for progressive Democrats seeking new momentum after their setbacks in the 2024 general elections.
His victory also signaled growing support for pro-Palestinian perspectives in American politics. Mamdani has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a stance many mainstream Democrats have been reluctant to adopt.
This stance sharply contrasted with Cuomo, who re-entered the race as an independent after losing the primary.
Cuomo, once a prominent political figure, had recently joined the legal defense team for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces war crime allegations at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The debate largely revolved around the stark differences between Mamdani and Cuomo’s visions for New York City.
Meanwhile, Sliwa found it difficult to gain significant speaking time amid the intense exchanges, at one point describing the debate as a “schoolyard quarrel.”
The mayoral election is scheduled for November 4. Below are five essential insights from the debate:
Israel-Palestine Conflict Dominates Discussion
Although the Israel-Palestine conflict is geographically distant from New York City, it emerged as a prominent topic early in the debate and recurred throughout the evening.
Mamdani was questioned about his recent Fox News remarks, where he refrained from explicitly endorsing calls for Hamas to disarm.
“Certainly, I believe Hamas should disarm,” Mamdani affirmed. “I am proud to be among the first elected officials in the state to call for a ceasefire, which requires all parties to halt hostilities and lay down their weapons.”
He emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict, including Israel’s blockade, occupation, and apartheid-like policies in Palestinian territories.
International bodies such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice have declared Israel’s occupation illegal under international law.
Cuomo, growing increasingly defensive, accused Mamdani of undermining Israel’s right to exist by criticizing its actions.
“When the assemblyman says ‘it depends on occupation,’ that’s code for denying Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state,” Cuomo asserted during the debate segment on Middle East peace.
Mamdani countered by highlighting Cuomo’s association with Netanyahu, who is currently wanted by the ICC on war crime charges.
“The term ‘occupation’ refers to violations of international law, which Cuomo disregards by joining Netanyahu’s defense team amid ongoing atrocities,” Mamdani responded.
Cuomo also criticized Mamdani for not denouncing the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some use to express solidarity with Palestinians.
“He refuses to condemn ‘globalize the intifada,’ a phrase that, to many, implies violence against Jews,” Cuomo claimed.
Mamdani explained that he has heard from Jewish New Yorkers who associate the phrase with violent attacks during the second Intifada and has since discouraged its use.
While Mamdani’s relationship with the Jewish community has been scrutinized, it’s important to note that New York City also hosts the largest Muslim population in the U.S.
When asked about Cuomo’s connection to the Muslim community, especially after Cuomo labeled Mamdani a “terrorist sympathizer,” the former governor distanced himself from Mamdani.
“I don’t believe Mamdani represents the Muslim community, which is vital to New York City,” Cuomo said, adding he holds the Muslim community in high regard.
Cuomo accused Mamdani of pursuing personal political agendas that don’t align with Muslim values.
Mamdani retorted that it took his primary victory over Cuomo for the former governor to visit a mosque, which Cuomo did for the first time last month.
“Muslims in this city seek the same respect and equality as every other community,” Mamdani stated. “It’s shameful that it took my campaign for you to acknowledge their presence.”
Cuomo Questions Mamdani’s Leadership Credentials
Cuomo’s initial critique targeted Mamdani’s relative youth and perceived lack of experience to govern a city of 8.4 million residents.
He highlighted his own decade-long tenure as New York Governor and his role as Housing and Urban Development Secretary under President Bill Clinton.
“This position demands seasoned leadership, not on-the-job training,” Cuomo argued. “Failed mayors lacked management experience. Don’t repeat that mistake.”
Mamdani responded by listing his legislative accomplishments, such as securing funding for a free bus program in New York City, before turning the critique back on Cuomo.
“If a health crisis arises, why would New Yorkers trust the governor who sent seniors to their deaths in nursing homes?” Mamdani challenged.
A 2021 investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed Cuomo’s administration underreported nursing home fatalities during the early COVID-19 outbreak.
“Where I lack experience, I compensate with integrity,” Mamdani declared. “And no amount of experience can replace a lack of integrity.”
The Trump Factor
President Donald Trump’s looming presence was felt throughout the debate, as he has threatened to withhold federal funds from New York and deploy military forces to the city.
All candidates agreed that deploying the National Guard is unnecessary.
Despite past clashes with Cuomo during the pandemic, Trump, a New Yorker himself, has effectively endorsed Cuomo’s independent bid and refrained from supporting Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Trump has repeatedly attacked Mamdani, labeling him a “little communist” and suggesting that federal funding for New York hinges on Mamdani’s defeat.
Nonetheless, Mamdani expressed willingness to engage with Trump pragmatically while standing firm on his principles.
“I am open to dialogue and cooperation with the president if it benefits New Yorkers by lowering living costs,” Mamdani said. “However, I will oppose him when necessary.”
He criticized Cuomo for receiving backing from some of Trump’s major donors, including hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who contributed $500,000 to Cuomo’s supporting group.
“I am not funded by the same interests that secured Trump’s second term, unlike Cuomo,” Mamdani noted.
Cuomo countered by suggesting that his support from Jewish New Yorkers stems from concerns over Mamdani’s alleged anti-Semitism rather than partisan politics.
“Many Jewish New Yorkers back me because they view you as anti-Semitic,” Cuomo told Mamdani. “This isn’t about Trump or Republicans; it’s about you.”
Mamdani Addresses Policing and Fiscal Plans
Cuomo and Sliwa challenged Mamdani on public safety, referencing his 2020 remarks labeling the New York Police Department as “racist” and advocating for defunding the force.
Mamdani apologized for those comments, made in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis, and emphasized his evolved understanding.
“Over the past five years, I’ve learned that justice, accountability, and public safety are deeply interconnected,” he said.
“Leading this city means honoring the courage of NYPD officers who risk their lives, while also standing up for Muslims and Black and brown New Yorkers subjected to unlawful surveillance and police violence.”
His public safety proposals include creating a specialized unit to handle mental health emergencies.
When questioned about funding his ambitious initiatives, such as free public transit and childcare, Mamdani outlined plans to increase taxes on the wealthiest 1% by two percent and raise corporate tax rates.
Reflecting on his unexpected primary victory, which began with him polling under two percent, Mamdani expressed confidence in his ability to implement bold reforms.
“Many dismissed my campaign early on, yet I became the Democratic nominee with the highest vote count in city primary history,” he said. “I am confident we can ensure the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share.”
