Category: Politics

New York City Mayoral Race Overview

The upcoming New York City mayoral election is set for November 4. Three main candidates are in the running: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. The election will be preceded by two debates, providing voters with an opportunity to hear from each candidate.

Debate Schedule

Two debates are scheduled before the election. The first debate will occur on Thu, Oct 16, 2025, at 7 PM US Eastern Time (23:00 GMT), hosted by WNBC. The second debate will take place on Wed, Oct 22, 2025, at 7 PM US Eastern Time (23:00), hosted by Spectrum News NY1.

Debate Viewing Options

The debates will be broadcast live on local television channels, including WNBC, Spectrum News NY1, and PIX11. They will also be available on the YouTube channels for these stations. Access NY1’s YouTube page here, and WNBC’s here.

Candidates

• Zohran Mamdani: A democratic socialist and New York State Assembly member. He secured 56% of the vote in the Democratic primary.
• Andrew Cuomo: Former New York Governor, running as an independent after losing in the primary. Cuomo served as governor from 2011 to 2021.
• Curtis Sliwa: Republican candidate, known for his anti-crime activism. He previously ran for mayor in 2021.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams

Current Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from the race in late September, citing low poll numbers and ongoing corruption investigations. Adams has since changed his party affiliation from Democrat to independent.

Current Polling

Recent polls indicate Zohran Mamdani leading with 46% support, followed by Andrew Cuomo at 33%, and Curtis Sliwa at 15%. Cuomo has gained support following Adams’s withdrawal.

Key Issues for the Debate

The debates are expected to cover local and national issues, including cost of living, transportation improvements, and the candidates’ stances on international affairs such as Israel’s conflict in Gaza. Mamdani is an advocate for Palestinian rights, whereas Cuomo has expressed support for Israel.