Key Highlights from the Final NYC Mayoral Debate

Bassyonni

ago 6 hours

In the final mayoral debate held on October 22, 2025, candidates engaged in spirited exchanges at LaGuardia Community College in Queens. This debate featured Democratic Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent. The event marked the last face-off before voters begin early voting on Saturday, with Election Day set for November 4.

Key Highlights from the Final NYC Mayoral Debate

As candidates approached the debate, tensions were high. Candidates directed sharp criticisms towards each other, particularly focusing on challenging issues and controversial topics.

1. Ballot Proposals

Mamdani remained non-committal about his stance on six crucial ballot proposals.
Three proposals aimed at expediting affordable housing are contentious, drawing opposition from some labor organizations and the City Council.
Sliwa expressed opposition to all six proposals, while Cuomo supported them.
Mamdani faced scrutiny when pressed for a direct response, ultimately stating he had not taken a position.

2. Experience and Capability

Cuomo highlighted his extensive governmental experience as a former governor and HUD secretary.
He positioned his experience as a strength, contrasting it with Mamdani’s limited legislative background.
Mamdani flipped the narrative, questioning Cuomo’s past decisions and management during his tenure.

3. Sexual Harassment Allegations

The debate touched on Cuomo’s ongoing legal issues related to allegations of sexual harassment from over a dozen women.
Mamdani explicitly called Cuomo out on these allegations, referencing a specific case involving an audience member.
Cuomo defended himself, claiming the allegations had been dismissed and denying any wrongdoing.

4. Critique of Eric Adams’ Policies

With Mayor Eric Adams’s campaign suspended, his policies remained a focal point of critique from all candidates.
Sliwa and Mamdani publicly stated they would not accept Adams’s endorsement, while Cuomo indicated he would.
Mamdani criticized prior appointments and called for accountability within the NYPD.

5. Candidate Rankings

When asked about potential ranked-choice voting scenarios, Mamdani named Sliwa as his second choice.
Sliwa, however, dismissed the idea and declared he would only vote for himself.
Humorous exchanges highlighted some camaraderie amid the competition, despite the fierce debates.

The debate encapsulated the political dynamics at play as candidates prepare for the upcoming election, showcasing their contrasting visions for New York City’s future.