NYC Mayoral Showdown: Key Moments from the Debate

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:36:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As New York City's mayoral candidates face off, tensions rise over housing, Trump, and pressing affordability issues. Discover the five key takeaways from the fiery debate held at Rockefeller Center.

In a heated debate at Rockefeller Center, NYC mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa addressed pivotal issues like housing, affordability, and the looming shadow of Trump. With election day approaching, Mamdani's lead in the polls and the contentious exchange of views marked a significant event in the campaign. Key discussions included Mamdani's stance on Israeli-Palestinian relations, affordability of living in NYC, and Cuomo's controversial past.

The three leading candidates for New York City mayor took the stage at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan on Thursday to make a case to lead America's biggest city.

They tangled over housing, Israel and Gaza, and President Donald Trump, with frontrunner Zohran Mamdani pressing main competitor Andrew Cuomo during the heated two-hour debate.

With early voting set to begin next week, neither dominated the evening - though both declared victory afterwards. The most recent polling suggests Mamdani has widened his lead to 46%, while Cuomo stands at 33%.

The outcome could have political implications beyond the Empire State as Trump looms large, and whoever wins will likely face pressure from Washington in some form.

The Democratic Party nationally is likely watching to see if America’s biggest Democratic stronghold chooses an establishment, centrist figure in Cuomo - who is running as an independent - or the progressive Mamdani.

Republicans also will watch to see if their candidate, Curtis Sliwa, continues to make inroads with his public safety platform.

Here are five big takeaways from the night:

1. Mamdani pressed on views on Palestinians

Mamdani's past statements on Israel and Palestinians came up several times during the night in questions from moderators and opponents' criticisms. He has stressed his support for Palestinians and statehood, and has fiercely criticized Israel's military operation in Gaza.

He was criticized by Cuomo for declining to condemn the phrase 'globalise the intifada', which some label as anti-Semitic while others see it as a call for international solidarity.

Mamdani said, 'I want to be very clear; the occupation is a reference to international law and the violation of it.'

2. The fourth man: Donald Trump

Though three candidates debated, Donald Trump was a constant reference point. Mamdani openly opposed Trump's policies while Cuomo positioned himself as an experienced candidate capable of dealing with Trump.

3. Affordability front and centre

The looming issue of affordability dominated discussions, with high costs affecting New York's residents. Candidates proposed varied plans to address these concerns, including a rent freeze and making buses free.

4. Cuomo's controversies still loom

Cuomo faced questions about controversies from his governorship, including allegations of sexual harassment and mishandling nursing home statistics during the pandemic. Mamdani called out Cuomo for these issues during the debate.

5. Curtis Sliwa makes his mark

As the only Republican on the stage, Sliwa managed to hold his own, emphasizing public safety throughout the debate and likening his opponents' arguments to those of 'two kids in the schoolyard.'