Mamdani v Cuomo: What to watch for in New York mayoral debate

October 16, 2025

New York City's mayoral race features three distinctive candidates who will debate at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday: frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist state assemblyman who won the Democratic primary by nearly 13 points; Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an independent after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021; and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican known for founding the Guardian Angels crime prevention group. Current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race last month following various scandals including federal indictment on bribery and fraud charges that were later dropped after President Trump took office. The candidates are expected to debate critical issues including affordable housing and the city's $4 billion government budget deficit as they compete to lead America's largest city.

Who is affected

New York City residents
Voters in the nation's largest city
Diverse communities, including Muslim and South Asian populations that Mamdani would represent as the first mayor from these backgrounds
Young voters and progressives rallying behind Mamdani
Moderate voters who might support Cuomo
New Yorkers concerned about the city's $4 billion budget deficit
People affected by affordable housing shortages

What action is being taken

The three mayoral candidates are participating in a live televised debate at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday
Candidates are campaigning to win over undecided voters before the early November election
Zohran Mamdani is leveraging social media and mobilizing young volunteers to support his campaign
Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the primary to Mamdani
Curtis Sliwa is continuing his campaign despite being considered unlikely to win

Why it matters

This election will determine leadership for America's largest city
The race features unusually high-profile personalities drawing national attention
The outcome could signal voter sentiment toward the political establishment versus progressive newcomers
The election presents New Yorkers with three dramatically different visions for the city's future
President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from the city if Mamdani is elected
Mamdani could become the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor
The race highlights issues of affordable housing and the city's $4 billion budget deficit

What's next

The candidates will debate at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday
Early November election will determine New York City's next mayor
Voters will choose between three distinct paths for the city's future

Read full article from source: BBC