Insults continued to fly during New York City’s second general election debate between the three leading mayoral candidates–Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent), and Republican Curtis Sliwa– on Wednesday night.
But in a complete flip flop, on the morning after the debates Cuomo announced that he would endorse his political rival, Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race Sept. 28. Todd Shapiro, an Adams spokesperson confirmed in a statement that the two would be campaigning together. A social media post on X showed them at a New York Knicks game shortly after the debate ended.
Mamdani released a statement upon learning of the endorsement blasting Cuomo and Adams. “Today confirms what we’ve long known: Andrew Cuomo is running for Eric Adams’ second term. It’s no surprise to see two men who share an affinity for corruption and Trump capitulation align themselves at the behest of the billionaire class and the President himself.
Since last week, Mamdani’s hefty lead in the polls has not gone anywhere. He is still maintaining a 45.3% margin, according to recent figures from Real Clear Polling. Cuomo trails him at 27.9%. Sliwa is in third with only 14.1% voter support.
Across the city, voters tuned in to watch the debate, either on their phones, at home, or at watch parties with friends. The candidates once again tackled similar topics, like education, public safety, the housing ballot proposals, ICE raids, dealing with interference from President Donald Trump, and affordability. They took shots with cross comments and questions, often talking over one another.
“I think what we got to see tonight are three candidates who have some similarities in their vision, but a lot of divergences. And while there were a couple areas where it seemed like there were some overlapping policies, for the most part, you saw three very different approaches to what governance would look like,” said Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., the executive director at the Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ).
Favors’group partnered with LiveOnNy, NYC Votes, and the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta to throw a debate watch party and bingo night at Sweet Catch BK, a seafood and soulfood restaurant located on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn.
Reactions from attendees watching the debate were mixed. Some said that the candidates came off confusing and uninspired at times compared to the first debate.
“Tonight was messy. More quarrelling. And Mamdani didn’t speak as much,” said Jason P., 42, a Democratic voter that lives in Flatbush, Brooklyn. “I’m still going to vote for him because I think his vision is different and that’s a better plan than more of the same. The other candidates seem way out of touch for me.”
“I’m a Democrat. I’m not voting for a Republican, but I can’t vote for a candidate with very little experience. That should tell you enough about who I’m voting for,” said retired firefighter Andrew Beard, a member of the FDNY’s Black Vulcan Society. He originally favored City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for mayor. He said he has reluctantly gone with his back up choices. “The one I really wanted was Adrienne, but she didn’t make the cut. I thought with her experience with the city council she would have done a good job.”
Many voters at the watch party admitted that they were still undecided.
“I’m not convinced about Mamdani. I’m going to research about his proposed bills from his time in the assembly,” said LaTrace D.
“I think tonight was more performative than practical. I would have loved to hear a solid policy and plan but I feel I’m left with limited information. I’m still undecided,” said Susan Best.
Tara Bowser, another attendee, said that she didn’t really like any of the three candidates and would go with the “lesser of three evils.”
The candidates broke down their positions on numerous issues in hopes of swaying voters.
Mamdani said he would fight Trump if he is not for New Yorkers and try his best to close Rikers Island in a timely fashion but admits it isn’t likely to be done by 2027. He aims to expand the Every Child and Family is Known pilot program to address students living in shelters and remains opposed to mayoral control of schools. He confirmed his plans to keep current NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch on if he’s elected and create a Department of Community Safety. He also doesn’t support changes to the Raise The Age gun legislation.
He touted his free bus ride plan. One of the hallmarks of his campaign platform has been to freeze rent for more than 2 million rent stabilized apartments while building 200,000 “truly” affordable homes. However, Mamdani dodged questions about his stance on ballot proposals 2, 3, and 4 about housing zoning and land use changes. He was also criticized for proposing to raise the minimum wage to $30.
Cuomo says he would hire and retain 5,000 NYPD officers and raise their starting salaries, expand gifted and talented programs and specialized high schools, support mayoral control of schools and the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), and build affordable housing “competently.” Cuomo passed and supported the Raise the Age law. He said he is against ICE forcefully coming into the city and making arrests. He also downplayed his allegations surrounding his resignation.
Finally, Sliwa said he would work with Trump for federal funding, make homeless shelters safer for disadvantaged students and families, and be a devout advocate for animals. He is firmly against no cash bail and would hire 7,000 more police officers. He would address the affordable housing crisis by converting unused commercial spaces into housing. He would expand gifted and talented slots to all kids, especially Black and Brown students. He is urging people to vote no to Ballot Props 2, 3, and 4 centered around housing and is opposed to City of Yes plans. He also said he would kill the congestion pricing program.
Cuomo endorses Adams? Who’s writing this and not proofreading?