Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Oct 23: The three leading contenders for New York City mayor—Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo—clashed in a heated final debate on Thursday night as early voting approaches. The debate, held at a university auditorium in Queens, drew a live audience of supporters and spectators who cheered and jeered throughout the 90-minute session. Moderators focused on issues such as housing, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and the current U.S. presidency.

Mamdani, positioned at center stage, maintained his frontrunner status, often drawing louder applause than his rivals. The candidates exchanged sharp criticisms, with Mamdani calling Cuomo "a desperate man" while Cuomo accused Mamdani of failing to show up for work as a state assemblyman, a claim Mamdani denied. Mamdani questioned Cuomo’s leadership of the state when addressing city concerns, while Sliwa criticized both opponents for their past records and promised to prioritize New Yorkers’ safety. Tensions escalated when Mamdani admitted he had not yet taken a position on housing ballot initiatives, prompting reactions from Cuomo and Sliwa.

The debate also revisited past scandals. Sexual harassment allegations that led to Cuomo’s resignation in 2021 were raised by Mamdani, while Mamdani faced scrutiny over a photograph with a Ugandan official linked to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, which he defended by stating he was unaware of the official’s controversial role. Sliwa continued his aggressive approach even after the debate, vowing to be Mamdani’s "worst nightmare" and questioning Cuomo’s preparedness.

The final debate offered New Yorkers a decisive opportunity to assess the candidates’ leadership, vision, and ability to handle controversy ahead of the elections.