UPDATE: In a fiery final debate before early voting kicks off this Saturday, New York City mayoral candidates escalated their attacks on each other. The showdown unfolded last night at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa faced off for the second time in just days.
The debate comes as tensions rise nationally, with over 650 rabbis signing an open letter condemning Mamdani for alleged anti-Israel rhetoric. Billionaires are pressuring Sliwa to exit the race to consolidate support for Cuomo against Mamdani, heightening the stakes ahead of the election.
As candidates took the stage, the atmosphere was charged with urgency. Cuomo claimed Mamdani would be swiftly dealt with by President Trump, stating he would “knock him on his tuchas.” This comment set the tone for a debate filled with sharp barbs and pointed accusations.
During the debate, Sliwa accused Mamdani of fostering fear among Jewish New Yorkers, asserting, “They view you as the arsonist who fanned the flames of antisemitism.” In a passionate retort, Mamdani defended his stance, emphasizing, “I’ve heard from Jewish New Yorkers about their fears about antisemitism in this city… what they deserve is a leader who takes it seriously.”
Discussions turned to pressing issues like a recent federal raid in Chinatown that resulted in the arrest of nine undocumented migrants. All three candidates agreed that the Trump administration’s actions were misplaced, with Cuomo labeling the raid “dangerous.” Mamdani criticized ICE as a “reckless entity,” calling for an end to collaboration with the federal government.
In a tense moment, candidates were allowed to question one another. Cuomo confronted Mamdani about a photo with an anti-LGBTQ advocate. Mamdani retorted, challenging Cuomo’s own past allegations of sexual harassment, saying, “What do you say to the 13 women that you sexually harassed?” This exchange underscored the heated nature of the debate.
The latest Fox News survey, conducted from October 10-14, indicates Mamdani holds a substantial lead with 49% of the vote among registered New York City voters, compared to Cuomo’s 28% and Sliwa’s 13%. Among likely voters, Mamdani’s support rises to 52%, further solidifying his position as the frontrunner.
Despite this lead, Mamdani remains cautious, recalling how Cuomo was once favored to win the nomination just weeks prior. The race has captivated national attention, particularly with Trump’s return to the White House, as Democrats seek to leverage discontent with his second-term agenda.
In a surprising development just before the debate, the New York Times reported Mamdani’s intention to keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, a move he confirmed during the debate. “My administration will be relentless in its pursuit of safety and affordability for every New Yorker,” he stated.
As November approaches, the political landscape remains volatile, with Republicans already seizing on Mamdani’s progressive politics to rally support against him. With early voting just days away, all eyes are on New York City as the candidates make their final appeals to voters.
Watch for the fallout from this heated debate as it shapes the final days leading up to the election.