The final New York City mayoral debate saw intense clashes between frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo. The debate was marked by personal attacks, Mamdani bringing one of Cuomo's sexual harassment accusers to the audience, and heated exchanges over qualifications, local issues, and the influence of Donald Trump.
The contentious final debate for New York City's mayoral race featured fiery exchanges among frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani, initially aiming to focus on his vision, quickly engaged in mud-slinging, notably inviting one of Cuomo's sexual harassment accusers to attend. Cuomo, performing better than in previous debates, leveraged his political experience to counter attacks on his past and questioned Mamdani's 'thin resume' and qualifications, warning that a Mamdani win would invite President Trump's intervention in the city. Sliwa, while urging Cuomo to drop out to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote, also joined the fray, criticizing both Mamdani's lack of experience and Cuomo's past failures and sexual harassment allegations. The debate covered local issues like crime, subways, Rikers Island, and a recent immigration enforcement sweep on Canal Street, with candidates outlining their approaches to federal interventions. The 'Trump factor' was a significant theme, with candidates arguing who could best manage the former president. Mamdani accused Cuomo of being Trump's 'puppet,' while Cuomo asserted Mamdani's victory would be 'a dream' for Trump. Mamdani also pressed Cuomo on the sexual harassment allegations, which Cuomo denied, calling for seriousness and maturity from his opponent. The debate concluded with a nod to the Knicks game, which many New Yorkers were likely watching instead.
