First NYC Mayoral Debate Features Sharp Clashes | JQJO

New York City’s three mayoral candidates traded sharp attacks in the first of two televised debates, clashing over crime, policing, affordability, housing, transit, the Trump administration and the Gaza ceasefire deal. Democrat Zohran Mamdani and independent Andrew Cuomo dominated exchanges, with Cuomo questioning Mamdani’s experience and denying past allegations, and Mamdani touting integrity while moving from defund-the-police to partnership with the NYPD. Republican Curtis Sliwa jabbed both while calling for more officers. A recent poll shows Mamdani ahead, and the final debate is set for Oct. 22 before voting begins Oct. 25.