Independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participate in a mayoral debate, in New York, U.S., October 16, 2025. Angelina Katsanis/Pool via REUTERS
(New York, NY) – This past Thursday night, the final 3 candidates in the city mayor’s race faced off in the first televised general debate. Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, Independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican/Independent Curtis Sliwa all made their best case for voters with just a few weeks left until the election. Officials are reacting as the actual impact of debates are also being contested.
State Officials React
Everyone is still waiting to hear the official response from Governor Kathy Hochul. This after Democratic nominee Mamdani skirted around an endorsement for Hochul’s reelection. Mamdani said he will make that decision after the mayoral election. Mamdani added that he does think Hochul is doing a good job as governor. Congresswoman Eslie Stefanik, who has been rumored to be looking at a gubernatorial challenge to Hochul, claimed that Hochul was the biggest loser of the debate. Stefanik touted the support she received from Sliwa and said New Yorkers have to “fire Kathy Hochul once and for all.”
WABC Hosts Voice Their Choice
Former Governor David Paterson, who has been vocal throughout this campaign about his opposition to Mamdani, says the debate did not hold the Democratic socialist accountable for what he says are dangerous ideas. Appearing on 77WABC’s Cats Roundtable, the former head of New York State shared his concerns:
Candidates Reflect
While plenty of pundits are sharing their score card, the candidates themselves look in the mirror and consider how they measured up against their opponents. Sliwa was asked for his reaction to his own performance, to which he said he feels great. He compared the televised showdown to “kids on a playground” as it was hard for the Republican to get a word in at times. Cuomo appeared on 77WABC’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning” following the debate. Cuomo said he also felt confident that voters will recognize his experience in government management. Finally, Mamdani appeared on MSNBC the same night. Mamdani called Cuomo President Trump’s puppet and claimed he would stand up for New Yorkers in the face of any resistance from the White House.
To hear Cuomo’s latest interview with 77WABC’s Sid Rosenberg in full, stream below or download it as a podcast to listen on the go:
