Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa clash in first NYC mayoral debate

The first general election debate of the 2025 New York City mayoral race aired on WNBC-TV from 30 Rockefeller Center on October 16, 2025. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa debated for two hours on housing, crime, and city services before a citywide audience. Before the debate, Mamdani led a march from Trump Tower to 30 Rock with nurses, teachers, and construction workers. A Quinnipiac poll taken one week earlier showed Mamdani at 46%, Cuomo at 33%, and Sliwa at 15%.