Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa Square Off in Fiery NYC Mayoral Debate
Mamdani defended his outsider roots as Cuomo touted experience and Sliwa decried crime in their tense first debate.
(L–R) Independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participate in a mayoral debate in New York City on Oct. 16, 2025. Angelina Katsanis/Pool via Getty Images
New York City mayoral candidates Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, his primary opponent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa squared off on Oct. 16 in a bid for the seat that current Mayor Eric Adams is vacating in 2026.
Adams dropped out of the race on Sept. 28.
Juliette Fairley
Freelance reporter
Juliette Fairley is a freelance reporter for The Epoch Times and NTD and a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Born in Chateauroux, France, and raised outside of Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Juliette is a well-adjusted military brat. She has written for many publications across the country. Send Juliette story ideas at [email protected]
