NYC mayoral candidates clash over Trump and political experience

In a contentious final debate for New York City mayor, frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa engaged in sharp exchanges over their political experience and how to handle President Donald Trump, highlighting deep divisions in the race. The debate, held on October 22, 2025, at LaGuardia Community College, saw the three candidates clash on a range of issues from affordability to crime. Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblymember, began by accusing his rivals of being consumed by infighting, but soon joined in the mudslinging. Cuomo, running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, emphasized his extensive political experience, while Sliwa, the Republican nominee, positioned himself as a serious alternative. A central theme was the candidates’ qualifications. Cuomo repeatedly attacked Mamdani’s thin resume, stating he had ‘never had a job’ and lacked the merit to run the nation’s largest city. Mamdani fired back, calling Cuomo a ‘desperate man’ clinging to power. Sliwa quipped that Mamdani’s resume could ‘fit on a cocktail napkin’ and Cuomo’s failures could ‘fill a public school library,’ adding that both were ‘fighting like kids in a school yard.’ Beyond personal attacks, the debate covered pressing local issues. The candidates discussed crime, the subways, and the Rikers Island jail complex. Mamdani faced criticism for declining to take a position on ballot initiatives and surprised some by saying he would ask Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to remain, signaling a moderation from his past critical stance on police. They also addressed a recent immigration enforcement sweep on Canal Street that led to 14 arrests, with Mamdani and Cuomo both criticizing federal intervention. The Trump factor loomed large, with candidates debating how to handle the president. Cuomo warned that a Mamdani win would be a ‘dream’ for Trump, who has threatened to take over the city, and insisted Mamdani lacks respect from the president. Mamdani depicted Cuomo as Trump’s ‘puppet,’ arguing the former governor is too aligned with him. Sliwa cautioned against antagonizing Trump, suggesting a more diplomatic approach to avoid escalating tensions. Cuomo was pressed on the sexual harassment allegations that forced his resignation. Mamdani invited one of Cuomo’s accusers, Charlotte Bennett, to the debate, echoing a tactic used by Trump in 2016. Cuomo denied wrongdoing and chided Mamdani for immaturity, defending his record and the millions in taxpayer dollars spent on legal defenses. The incident underscored the personal nature of the clashes, with candidates trading barbs over integrity and governance. As the race heads toward the November election, the debate underscored the high stakes. Mamdani holds a lead in polls, but Cuomo and Sliwa are vying to split the anti-Mamdani vote. The outcome could shape New York City’s response to national politics and local challenges, with voters weighing experience against progressive change and determining the city’s direction on issues from public safety to economic recovery.