NYC Debate: Mamdani, Independent Cuomo, Sliwa

The final New York City mayoral debate before early voting featured Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, former governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa trading bitter personal attacks and clashing over policing, education, housing, transportation and a high‑profile ICE raid on street vendors. Mamdani defended his double‑digit lead, was repeatedly criticized for his youth and thin resume, and often declined to take public positions on several housing ballot questions. Cuomo leaned on his executive record and delivered a sharper, more confrontational performance, and was pressed about the sexual‑harassment allegations that drove him from the governorship after Mamdani’s campaign brought accuser Charlotte Bennett to the audience. Sliwa positioned himself as a GOP alternative, refused calls to drop out, and continued his unpredictable campaign style. All three candidates condemned the Chinatown immigration raid but differed on dealing with President Trump, and observers said the 90‑minute forum produced sharp moments but few breakthroughs likely to change the race before early voting and Nov. 4.