Cuomo and Sliwa aim to blunt Mamdani's momentum in first NYC mayoral debate

"The stage is set Thursday for the first debate of the New York City mayoral election, with Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa looking to halt the momentum of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who already defeated the once-powerful New York governor in the primary this summer. For Cuomo, who's now running as an independent, the stakes are high. The debate is one of his last chances to sway voters to his side and convince them that going with Mamdani would be a mistake."

"Meanwhile, Sliwa, the colorful creator of the Guardian Angels crime patrol group, hopes to land a major upset in the deeply blue city. Sliwa received almost 30% of the vote when he last ran as the GOP candidate four years ago. This time around he's hoping Mamdani and Cuomo split the Democratic vote while he secures Republicans and centrists to come out on top."

"The race has catapulted Mamdani to national political stardom, with Republicans, including President Donald Trump, trying to turn him into the face of the Democratic Party by highlighting his most controversial past comments and positions and casting him as dangerous, a communist, and an antisemite. Trump has threatened to arrest Mamdani, to deport him and even to take over the city if he wins. Mamdani is a naturalized U.S. citizen."

Thursday's first New York City mayoral debate features Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo seeks to halt Mamdani's momentum and persuade voters to avoid Mamdani after losing the primary. Cuomo is pursuing a political comeback after resigning as governor four years ago amid sexual harassment allegations; he denies wrongdoing but faces heavy criticism and other damaging baggage from his tenure. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, holds a comfortable position but must withstand two hours of sharp jabs while maintaining a hopeful, charming campaign tone. Sliwa aims to capitalize on a split Democratic vote and attract Republicans and centrists.

Read at PBS News