{"id":5706,"date":"2025-10-16T23:45:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T23:45:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/5706\/"},"modified":"2025-10-16T23:45:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T23:45:25","slug":"mamdani-cuomo-and-sliwa-face-off-in-nyc-mayoral-debate-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/5706\/","title":{"rendered":"Mamdani, Cuomo and Sliwa face off in NYC mayoral debate \u2014 live"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that man Trump again. The candidates are asked how they would respond if the president sent the National Guard into the city.<\/p>\n

Sliwa said there was no need for the National Guard in New York, and leant on his experience as a Guardian Angel who regularly patrols the subways with his volunteer force.<\/p>\n

Mamdani said that if Trump was concerned about public safety, he would send the Guard to Republican-led states with higher crime rates.<\/p>\n

Cuomo said that more New York police department officers were needed, and that Trump\u2019s tactics were not about public safety but about \u201ccontrol, power\u201d.<\/p>\n

The question brought a rare moment of agreement among all three candidates, that none would instruct the police department to support the National Guard.<\/p>\n

Mamdani accuses Cuomo of disregarding Muslims<\/p>\n

Mamdani turned the tables on Cuomo, asking why he hadn\u2019t been able to name a single mosque that he had visited during his decade as governor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Muslims want in this city is what every community wants and deserves. They want equality, and they want respect,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it took me to get you to even see those Muslims as part of this city. And that, frankly, is something that is shameful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cuomo pushes Mamdani to condemn Hamas<\/p>\n

Cuomo attacked Mamdani repeatedly for refusing to denounce the use of the phrase \u201cglobalise the intifada\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t he condemn Hamas?\u201d Cuomo asked. \u201cWhy did it take us here tonight for the first time for him to say it? He still wouldn\u2019t say it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mamdani \u2018hopeful Gaza ceasefire will hold\u2019<\/p>\n

GETTY IMAGES\/ANGELINA KATSANIS<\/p>\n

Mamdani was invited to clarify his comments on Fox News yesterday about the future of Gaza and whether Hamas should disarm.<\/p>\n

He stated that Hamas should lay down their arms, and backed an immediate and permanent ceasefire.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason that we call for that is not only for the end of the genocide, but also an unimpeded access of humanitarian aid,\u201d he said. \u201cI, like many New Yorkers, am hopeful that this ceasefire will hold. I\u2019m hopeful that it is durable. I\u2019m hopeful that it\u2019s just.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mamdani has previously stated he is anti-Zionist but has denied allegations that he is antisemitic.<\/p>\n

Cuomo: People are sick of weaponised justice<\/p>\n

Cuomo claimed that there was little difference in the weaponisation of the justice department between the Trump and Biden administrations.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe Republicans do it, I believe the Democrats do it, and that\u2019s why I think people are sick and tired of it. It\u2019s just the system and the politics,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Cuomo to Trump: I\u2019ll fight you if you hurt me<\/p>\n

Asked the same question about a hypothetical first conversation with Trump, Cuomo offered more tough talk.<\/p>\n

He said he would tell Trump: \u201cI\u2019d like to work with you, I think we could do good things together, but number one, I will fight you every step of the way if you try to hurt me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mamdani: If Trump attacks NYC he must go through me<\/p>\n

President Trump looms large over this race, and the candidates are being asked how they would handle their first conversation with him as New York mayor.<\/p>\n

Mamdani said that he would make it clear to the president that he was only willing to work with him if it meant delivering on lowering the cost of living for New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

He said that if Trump continues to attack New York, \u201che\u2019s going to have to get through me as the next mayor of the city\u201d.<\/p>\n

Cuomo challenged on harassment allegations\"Cuomo,<\/p>\n

Cuomo, Sliwa and Mamdani answer questions<\/p>\n

AP\/ANGELINA KATSANIS<\/p>\n

Cuomo\u2019s first question is aimed directly at the sexual harassment allegations that ended his governorship.<\/p>\n

He said there \u201cwas no basis\u201d to a report that found that he sexually harassed 13 women who worked for him.<\/p>\n

Mamdani is then asked about his lack of experience, as a 33-year-old assemblyman who hasn\u2019t run before.<\/p>\n

He responds that he has plenty of experience of living in New York, which has shown him that it is \u201cfar too expensive and far too hard for New Yorkers to afford to live in this city\u201d.<\/p>\n

Candidates set out stalls as debate opens\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Andrew Cuomo makes his way to the studio on Thursday night<\/p>\n

DEREK FRENCH\/SHUTTERSTOCK<\/p>\n

The debate began with each candidate invited to write their own headlines on January 1 2027, after a year in power.<\/p>\n

Cuomo said his would be: \u201cRent down, crime down, education scores up, more jobs in New York City, optimism high\u201d.<\/p>\n

Sliwa responded: \u201cCurtis Sliwa exceeds all expectations and looks very mayoral tonight\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mamdani said his headline would be: \u201cMamdani continues to take on Trump, delivers on an affordability agenda for New Yorkers\u201d.<\/p>\n

Who are the candidates\u2019 high-profile backers?<\/p>\n

Mamdani has secured a broad coalition of endorsements from left-wing political figures, labour unions and community groups.<\/p>\n

Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator, Elizabeth Warren, the senator from Massachusetts, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York congresswoman and Kathy Hochul, the New York governor are all backing Mamdani.<\/p>\n

Cuomo has the support of the Teamsters union, high-profile figures in the business community such as Bill Ackman, the hedge fund billionaire, and David Paterson, the former New York governor.<\/p>\n

Sliwa is backed by Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, and senior figures in the Republican Party.<\/p>\n

Eric Adams considering endorsing Cuomo<\/p>\n

Eric Adams, a conspicuous absence at tonight\u2019s debate, has said he is considering endorsing Cuomo to take over his job on January 1.<\/p>\n

The incumbent mayor dropped out of the race in late September, amid dire poll numbers. He was indicted on corruption charges last year, only for Trump\u2019s justice department to dismiss the case in what was widely seen as a quid pro quo for his support on an immigration crackdown.<\/p>\n

Speaking to the The Reset Talk Show on Wednesday, Adams said that there was a \u201clot of time to determine who\u2019s going to be the next mayor of the city of New York\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let anyone fool you to believe this race is over,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adams said he was in discussions with the Cuomo campaign to offer an endorsement.<\/p>\n

Cuomo wants \u2018New Yorkers to hear the truth\u2019<\/p>\n

Cuomo has arrived at the Rockefeller Center for tonight\u2019s debate.<\/p>\n

As he entered NBC\u2019s New York headquarters, he told reporters that his goal for tonight was for \u201cNew Yorkers to hear the truth\u201d.<\/p>\n

Mamdani riding high in polls\"Mamdani,<\/p>\n

Mamdani, seen reading notes in the green room, could become the city\u2019s first Muslim mayor<\/p>\n

AP\/ANGELINA KATSANIS<\/p>\n

Mamdani has maintained a substantial lead in the race for New York City mayor in a poll released before Thursday\u2019s debate.<\/p>\n

The Fox News survey found Mamdani had 49 per cent support among registered voters, while 28 per cent backed Cuomo and 13 per cent favoured Sliwa.<\/p>\n

The Democrat rose to 52 per cent among those likely to vote, with Cuomo trailing on 28 per cent.<\/p>\n

Since the previous Fox News poll in September, Mamdani\u2019s support has increased by five points among likely voters and four points among registered voters.<\/p>\n

Mamdani supporters out in full force\"Mamdani<\/p>\n

Mamdani hugs a supporter in midtown Manhattan<\/p>\n

AP\/ANGELINA KATSANIS<\/p>\n

Mamdani has arrived for tonight\u2019s debate at the Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan to a warm welcome from his supporters.<\/p>\n

The Democrat marched from Trump Tower on 5th Avenue with a large entourage, which included a New Orleans-style brass band. His team struggled to clear a path for him through several blocks of rush-hour traffic.<\/p>\n

After passing by Radio City Hall, Mamdani shook hands with fans lined up behind metal barricades.<\/p>\n

Who is Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate?\"Curtis<\/p>\n

Curtis Sliwa arrives at the Rockefeller Center<\/p>\n

DEREK FRENCH\/SHUTTERSTOCK<\/p>\n

Curtis Sliwa is a crime safety activist and radio host who is best known as the founder of the Guardian Angels.<\/p>\n

Sliwa launched the volunteer crime-prevention organisation in 1979 during a period of high crime in New York. The group quickly gained national attention for the beret-wearing volunteers, though it also drew controversy and scepticism from city officials and police unions.<\/p>\n

The 71-year-old Republican nominee has consistently polled between 11 and 17 per cent, and has no realistic path to victory. However he has resisted pressure to drop out and give Cuomo a clearer run to defeat Mamdani.<\/p>\n

After his loss to Eric Adams in the 2021 campaign, Sliwa maintained a visible presence in city politics, continuing to comment on policing, homelessness and quality-of-life issues.<\/p>\n

A lifelong animal lover, Sliwa and his wife Nancy Regula have rescued and fostered hundreds of cats over the years at their Upper West Side apartment.<\/p>\n

Does Andrew Cuomo still have a chance at his redemption arc?\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Andrew Cuomo<\/p>\n

JOHN LAMPARSKI\/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES<\/p>\n

After his surprise defeat in the primary, Andrew Cuomo relaunched his campaign as an independent in July with the declaration: \u201cI\u2019m in it to win it\u201d.<\/p>\n

The former governor brings universal name recognition and significant baggage to the race.<\/p>\n

He resigned as governor while preparing to run for a fourth consecutive term in August 2021, amid sexual harassment allegations, which he has denied.<\/p>\n

A Department of Justice investigation found that he subjected at least 13 women to a \u201csexually hostile work environment\u201d while in office. Criminal charges were later dismissed.<\/p>\n

Cuomo was a reassuring figure in the early months of the Covid pandemic, but his reputation took a hit after it emerged that his administration released incomplete data on the number of deaths at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.<\/p>\n

He has pledged to build more affordable housing, expand affordable healthcare, and increase wages. Cuomo is seen as a more business-friendly candidate than Mamdani.<\/p>\n

He hails from a political dynasty \u2013 his father Mario was a three-time governor of New York state.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n

Who are the candidates in tonight\u2019s debate?\"Zohran<\/p>\n

Zohran Mamdani arrives for the debate on Thursday night<\/p>\n

AP\/ANGELINA KATSANIS<\/p>\n

Zohran Mamdani cemented his favouritism to become the next New York City mayor when he defeated a large field, including Cuomo, in the Democratic primary in June.<\/p>\n

The state assemblyman was born in Uganda, and moved to New York with his family at the age of seven. A self-described Democratic socialist, Mamdani\u2019s campaign platform has focused on lowering living costs for New Yorkers and improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n

To do so, he has pledged to freeze rent on rent-controlled apartments, build more affordable housing, and provide free childcare and city-run grocery stores.<\/p>\n

Mamdani has pledged to make the city safer by investing in citywide mental health programmes and crisis response teams to people suffering mental health crises, while freeing up police to focus on serious crime. He has also proposed making city buses free for all riders.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Read the full story here<\/a><\/p>\n

All eyes on debate as early voting looms<\/p>\n

Tonight\u2019s New York City mayoral general election debate will provide the three remaining candidates with one of their final chances to make an impression on voters before early voting begins in just over a week.<\/p>\n

Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic candidate, has a double-digit lead in the latest poll and will be looking to avoid any major mishaps.<\/p>\n

His nearest rival is Andrew Cuomo, 67, the former New York governor who is running as an independent after his defeat to Mamdani in the Democratic primary in June.<\/p>\n

Curtis Sliwa, the 71-year-old Republican, is the founder of the Guardian Angels<\/a> crime-fighting group and is running for mayor for a second time after being defeated four years ago by Eric Adams, the present mayor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s that man Trump again. The candidates are asked how they would respond if the president sent the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5707,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[1283,1914,5200,5313,5367,5312,1445,5199,9,56,63,65,64,5314,3655],"class_list":{"0":"post-5706","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york-city","8":"tag-and","9":"tag-cuomo","10":"tag-debate","11":"tag-face","12":"tag-in","13":"tag-live","14":"tag-mamdani","15":"tag-mayoral","16":"tag-new-york","17":"tag-ny","18":"tag-nyc","19":"tag-nyc-headlines","20":"tag-nyc-news","21":"tag-off","22":"tag-sliwa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5706"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5706\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}