New York mayoral hopefuls spar over Trump, Gaza, and crime in first live debate
New York City’s leading mayoral candidates — Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa — faced off Thursday night
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) — New York City’s leading mayoral candidates — Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa — faced off Thursday night in a fiery televised debate dominated by clashes over Donald Trump’s policies, the Gaza war, and the city’s crime and affordability crises.
The hour-long debate, hosted by NBC New York, Telemundo New York, and Politico, marked the first live encounter between the three contenders ahead of next month’s general election.
Mamdani, a Democratic state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, is running against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is contesting as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
Trump and federal funds loom large
Much of the debate centered on former President Trump, who has threatened to withhold billions in federal funding if Mamdani wins.
“If Trump ever wants to come for New Yorkers the way he has been, he’ll have to get through me,” Mamdani said. “He’s already threatened to suspend $18 billion in infrastructure grants, and I’ll fight every single one of those threats.”
Cuomo dismissed the threat outright, while Sliwa warned that defiance could “cost people desperately needed federal funds.”
Gaza sparks fiery exchange
The Gaza war also triggered sharp exchanges. Mamdani reiterated his call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, saying, “Calling for a ceasefire means all parties must put down their weapons. We want the end of genocide and unimpeded humanitarian aid.”
Cuomo accused Mamdani of refusing to denounce Hamas and using “coded language” that undermines Israel’s legitimacy.
Mamdani fired back, saying Cuomo was acting like “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s legal defense team.”
“As the first Muslim mayor of this city,” he added, “I will make sure every New Yorker — Jewish, Muslim, or otherwise — feels safe and knows they belong.”
Crime, policing, and affordability
On public safety, Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s past comments on the police, claiming he “doesn’t like the police.” Mamdani responded that justice and safety go hand in hand and praised NYPD officers’ bravery while acknowledging past abuses.
Sliwa countered that “New Yorkers want to feel safe, not social-engineered.”
The candidates also addressed housing costs and affordability. Mamdani accused Cuomo of ignoring the issue, saying, “It’s been an hour and 20 minutes, and we haven’t heard him say the word ‘affordability.’”
Cuomo cited his experience as a former Housing and Urban Development secretary, saying, “I know how to build affordable housing. I’ve done it before.”
In a tense moment, Mamdani criticized Cuomo for taking support from billionaire investor Bill Ackman. Cuomo retorted, “There are a lot of Jewish New Yorkers who support me because they think you’re antisemitic. So it’s not about Trump or Republicans — it’s about you.”
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