In the first televised debate hosted by WNBC, the three contenders — Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary; Cuomo, running as an independent after losing that race; and Republican candidate Sliwa — discussed their policy platforms and responded to questions from moderators.

Throughout the two-hour debate, the candidates addressed a wide range of topics including international relations, ties with Israel, education, housing, the cost of living, and issues such as drugs and prostitution. They also took sharp aim at one another’s political records and positions.

“I want the ceasefire to be sustainable”

Mamdani, considered the frontrunner after his primary victory, faced tough questions from both moderators and his rivals over his earlier comments suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested if he visits New York, and his calls for Hamas to lay down its arms. Former Governor Cuomo voiced his support for the ceasefire in Gaza but criticized Mamdani for not explicitly condemning Hamas.

Mamdani responded “Of course, I believe they should lay down their arms. Like many New Yorkers, I hope this ceasefire can last in a just and sustainable way. For that to happen, issues like occupation, blockade, and discrimination must also be resolved. That is my hope”

“Trump’s efforts are commendable”

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa praised former President Donald Trump’s efforts to establish peace and end hostilities between Israel and Hamas, saying his attempts deserved recognition.

“You can’t make up for inexperience with honesty”

During the debate’s segment on New York-specific issues, Cuomo attacked Mamdani for his lack of experience, saying “He has no professional background. His résumé lists an internship with his mother. Being mayor of New York is not an entry-level job.”

Mamdani fired back “I make up for my lack of experience with honesty. But you can’t make up for your lack of honesty with any amount of experience.”

He also accused Cuomo of failing to understand the city’s difficult and expensive living conditions despite his long years in government.

Two-Hour Debate

Over the two-hour program, Sliwa argued that Mamdani lacked the leadership experience needed to run New York, while drawing attention to Cuomo’s history of sexual harassment allegations and his mishandling of relationships with women during his governorship.

Sliwa agreed with both Mamdani and Cuomo on the need to deploy the National Guard in New York. The candidates also sparred over education policy, free public transit, rent control, and prostitution, offering sharply differing visions for the city’s future.

Background

In the June 24 Democratic primary, Representative Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo with 56% of the vote, a 12-point margin. Following his loss, Cuomo announced he would continue his campaign as an independent. Current Mayor Eric Adams, previously facing corruption and bribery allegations, also declared an independent bid after leaving the Democratic Party.

If elected on November 4, 33-year-old Mamdani would become New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. Recent polls show him leading both Cuomo and Sliwa heading into the general election.