Cuomo, Mamdani Exchange Heated Attacks in NYC Mayoral Debate

In the heated final Democratic mayoral debate in New York City, frontrunners Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani engaged in sharp exchanges over age, experience, and personal integrity, with Cuomo warning that Mamdani's youth and lack of government experience made him unfit for the mayoralty. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, countered by highlighting Cuomo's 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment scandals and criticized his governance record, including issues with Medicaid and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Brad Lander also pressed Cuomo on the sexual harassment allegations, emphasizing concerns about workplace environment if Cuomo were mayor. The debate underscored the growing competitiveness of the race, with Cuomo portraying Mamdani as dangerously inexperienced and Mamdani accusing Cuomo of being scandal-ridden and unrepentant. Cuomo's campaign even ran ads framing Mamdani as unprepared amid challenges like President Trump's policies and natural disasters. The clash highlighted broader themes of experience versus progressive change, with the race set against the backdrop of early voting starting shortly after the debate.