Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race, was on the defensive during a fiery final debate on Wednesday, as former Governor Andrew Cuomo and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa relentlessly pressed him for specifics and tore apart his policy proposals.
Mamdani, usually smooth and confident, found himself repeatedly pinned into a corner by his two rivals, who didn’t let him get away with vague answers or evasive rhetoric. Cuomo, running as an independent, came out swinging, boasting about his own accomplishments like the successful redesign of LaGuardia Airport and the first leg of the Second Avenue subway during his tenure as governor. He also mocked Mamdani for thinking he could challenge a “hyper-aggressive” President Trump, calling him “my little Communist.”
Mamdani looked visibly shocked as Cuomo took aim at his “rent freeze” policy, calling it a rehash of failed ideas from former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Cuomo slammed Mamdani’s proposal as “old political blather,” pointing out that it would only apply to a small fraction of housing units in the city and that, in reality, the mayor doesn’t control the Rent Guidelines Board. “Nothing is going to happen,” Cuomo declared to applause from the audience.
Mamdani’s frustration became apparent as Cuomo attacked him for a photo with Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda's deputy prime minister, who has been criticized for her anti-gay views. Cuomo sarcastically quipped, "He’s a good actor, he missed his calling." Mamdani, however, stuck to his message, arguing that Cuomo's experience as a politician is precisely what has failed New Yorkers, citing Cuomo's record on housing, the MTA, and the pandemic's devastating impact on nursing homes.
Cuomo found himself dogged by his own controversial record, especially his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sexual harassment accusations that led to his resignation in 2021. When questioned about the 13 women who accused him of misconduct, Cuomo struggled to provide a coherent answer, further fueling Mamdani’s attack that Cuomo’s "experience" is exactly why New Yorkers are suffering.
Sliwa, who is trailing in the polls but still a significant figure in the race, joined in the criticism of Mamdani, calling his proposals “fantasy.” The two political rivals ganged up on Mamdani, with Sliwa even taking jabs at Cuomo, reminding him of his impeachment troubles. At one point, Sliwa remarked that Mamdani's resume could fit “on a cocktail napkin,” underscoring the criticism of his lack of political experience.
Andrew Kirtzman, a longtime communications specialist, described the debate as Mamdani’s weakest performance of the cycle. Despite Mamdani’s talent as a debater, he seemed overwhelmed by the combined attacks from both Cuomo and Sliwa, who were relentless throughout the 90-minute exchange. “They were literally laughing at him from both sides,” Kirtzman noted, signaling a tough night for the socialist candidate.
With just 13 days left until the Nov. 4 election, Mamdani’s inability to answer his critics with specific plans and the pressure from both Cuomo and Sliwa leaves his path to victory more uncertain than ever.
