Intense NYC Mayoral Showdown: Mamdani Leads Polls as Cuomo and Sliwa Clash Over Experience, Affordability and Safety

Polls indicate Democratic candidate Mamdani is leading with 46 percent support in the race for New York City mayor.

New Delhi:

A heated debate unfolded Thursday night at Rockefeller Center as the three frontrunners for New York City mayor—Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa—engaged in intense exchanges. With early voting approaching, recent polls show Democratic candidate Mamdani ahead with 46 percent support, Independent candidate Cuomo at 33 percent, and Republican Sliwa trailing behind, according to BBC reports.

Key debate highlights included:

Mamdani faced significant questioning about his stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict. His support for Palestinian statehood drew scrutiny, particularly regarding his criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza and his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalise the intifada." Mamdani stated, "I would seek to serve as a mayor for all New Yorkers," emphasizing his commitment to the city's diverse Jewish population. Cuomo characterized his opponent as "divisive personality across the board."

Despite his absence from the stage, former President Donald Trump became a central topic during the debate. Cuomo warned voters that "If the assemblyman is elected, Mayor Donald Trump will take over in New York City, and it will be Mayor Trump." In response, Mamdani labeled Cuomo a "coward" and promised to "take on Trump." Sliwa adopted a more pragmatic stance, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the president regardless of political differences.

Experience emerged as a contentious issue when Cuomo criticized Mamdani's professional background, bluntly stating, "He's never had a job." Mamdani countered, "What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity."

All candidates addressed New York's affordability crisis. Mamdani proposed implementing free bus transportation, while Cuomo suggested income restrictions for rent-stabilized apartments. Cuomo pointedly remarked, "If you think that the problem in this city is that my rent is too low, vote for him. If you know the problem in this city is that your rent is too high, vote for me." Sliwa focused on utilizing vacant NYCHA apartments to address housing needs.

Cuomo faced questions regarding his gubernatorial tenure, particularly concerning sexual harassment allegations and controversy over COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. Mamdani accused Cuomo of having "sent seniors to their death in nursing homes," claims Cuomo dismissed as "totally false," characterizing investigations against him as politically motivated.

Sliwa highlighted his public safety credentials as founder of the Guardian Angels volunteer organization. Positioning himself as an outsider, he declared, "Thank God I am not a politician," while criticizing Cuomo's criminal justice record. Following the debate, Sliwa expressed satisfaction with his performance, describing it as "extraordinarily well."

On public safety matters, Mamdani apologized for previously calling police "racist" and outlined plans for a Department of Community Safety that would incorporate social workers in certain emergency responses. Cuomo positioned himself as taking a stronger stance on crime, suggesting Mamdani's approach could compromise public safety.

Regarding fiscal and educational policies, Mamdani advocated for increased taxation of wealthy individuals and large corporations while proposing reforms to the mayoral control of the school system to enhance participation from parents and educators.