As New York City heads into the final stretch before Election Day, the race for mayor has reached a fever pitch following a tense and combative final debate among the leading candidates: Zohran Mamdani (Democrat), Andrew Cuomo (Independent), and Curtis Sliwa (Republican).
The live debate, hosted on Tuesday night, showcased sharp ideological divisions and fiery exchanges as each contender sought to convince undecided voters in a city grappling with economic recovery, public safety, and housing affordability.
Mamdani, representing the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, emphasized social equity, housing justice, and police reform. “New Yorkers deserve leadership that prioritizes people over profit,” he said, calling for expanded affordable housing projects and stronger tenant protections.
Former governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an Independent, positioned himself as a centrist and a stabilizing force. He highlighted his experience in state leadership, pledging to restore “competence and credibility” to City Hall. Cuomo criticized both rivals for what he described as “ideological extremes” that risk dividing the city.
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, focused heavily on crime and public safety, calling for a significant increase in police presence and tougher law enforcement measures. “People don’t feel safe on our subways or in our neighborhoods,” Sliwa declared, vowing to “bring back order and accountability.”
The debate grew heated over topics such as homelessness, migrant policy, and budget management, with moments of intense back-and-forth between Cuomo and Mamdani. Political analysts say this election could reshape the city’s political landscape, testing whether New Yorkers will continue their progressive trend or opt for a more centrist or conservative turn.
With polling day just around the corner, voter turnout and last-minute campaigning are expected to play a decisive role. Early voting numbers indicate strong engagement across all boroughs, suggesting that this mayoral race could be one of the most closely watched and consequential in recent memory.
