UPDATE: New York City mayoral candidates engaged in a heated final debate on October 22, 2025, just days before early voting starts this Saturday. Tensions soared as Independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa exchanged sharp criticisms, setting the stage for a pivotal election.
The debate at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City highlighted urgent issues as over 650 rabbis condemned Mamdani for his perceived anti-Israel rhetoric. Cuomo warned that if he were elected, President Trump would “knock [Mamdani] on his tuchas,” escalating the already intense atmosphere.
Mamdani faced tough questions regarding his past comments on Israel, with Cuomo accusing him of embracing dangerous slogans. “You won’t denounce ‘globalize the intifada,’ which means, ‘Kill Jews,’” Cuomo asserted, amplifying fears about the rise of antisemitism. Mamdani defended his stance, insisting he takes the concerns of Jewish New Yorkers seriously and aims to root out antisemitism in the city.
Sliwa, addressing Mamdani directly, claimed Jewish New Yorkers see him as “the arsonist who fanned the flames of antisemitism” and called for a response to this urgent issue. Mamdani, who is the first Muslim candidate poised for victory in this election, rebutted the accusations, stating, “I have never, not once, spoken in support of global jihad.”
The debate also touched on a recent federal raid in New York City’s Chinatown, which resulted in the arrest of nine migrants. All candidates criticized the Trump administration’s actions, with Mamdani labeling ICE as “reckless” and calling for an end to collaboration with the federal government.
As the candidates took turns questioning each other, tensions flared further. Cuomo confronted Mamdani about a controversial photo with an anti-LGBTQ advocate, while Mamdani brought up Cuomo’s past allegations of sexual harassment, a charged exchange that underscored the personal stakes involved.
Recent polling indicates that Mamdani holds a substantial lead, commanding 49% of support among registered voters, compared to 28% for Cuomo and 13% for Sliwa. Among likely voters, support for Mamdani rises to 52%. These numbers reflect a significant shift in momentum, especially as Mamdani consolidates support from key Democratic figures.
In a developing story, Mamdani confirmed during the debate that he plans to retain current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected, a move indicating his commitment to public safety. This announcement comes amid scrutiny of his past comments regarding the police, which he has since attempted to clarify.
With the election drawing near, the candidates are racing against time to sway undecided voters. Sliwa faces pressure from prominent figures, including billionaire executives, urging him to withdraw in favor of Cuomo. Despite this, Sliwa remains determined to stay in the race.
The outcome of this fierce contest is poised to resonate far beyond New York City, capturing national attention as Democrats grapple with the implications of a potential Mamdani victory against a backdrop of rising political tensions.
As New Yorkers prepare to cast their votes, the urgency of this debate and the stakes involved cannot be overstated. This election will shape the future of the city, making every moment and every word count as candidates make their final appeals to the electorate.
