The race for New York City’s new mayor reaches a pivotal moment tonight (Thursday, October 16) when three candidates — Democrat Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa — take the stage for the first mayoral general election debate.
Where and when to watch
The New York City mayoral debate begins at 7 p.m. ET and will be held at the NBC 4 New York studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
It will air live for one hour on WNBC-TV (NBC 4 New York) and WNJU-TV (Telemundo 47) and will continue in its entirety online via NBC 4 New York and Telemundo’s streaming platforms as well as POLITICO’s website. The New York Times will also live stream the event with real-time commentary.
There will be a studio audience.
Who is discussing
According to the NYC Campaign Finance Board, three candidates qualified for the debate:
Zohran Mamdani (Democrat) — 33-year-old member of the state legislature and progressive Democrat running on a platform of housing affordability, free public transportation, and expanded child care.
Andrew Cuomo (Independent) — Former New York State governor and Democratic primary winner, now running as an independent, focusing on safety, affordability and moderation.
Curtis Sliwa (Republican) – Founder and radio host of Guardian Angels emphasizing public safety, community policing, and neighborhood-led housing reform.
Why it matters
The debate, which comes just over a week before early voting begins, gives voters a crucial chance to see the candidates go head-to-head on the major issues — crime, housing, education and transportation — that are shaping the city’s future.
A new Quinnipiac University poll shows Mamdani leading with 46%, followed by Cuomo with 33% and Sliwa with 15%, suggesting the debate could be decisive for Cuomo and Sliwa as they try to narrow the gap before Election Day on Nov. 4.
The second and last mayoral debate is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22.
NYC voters are set to choose a new mayor in the November 4 election.
(TAGTATORTE)New York City Mayoral Debate (T)Zohran Mamdani(T)andrew Cuomo(T)Curetis Sliwa
