US NYC Mayoral Debate FULL Video: Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa FACE OFF Over Trump, Hamas In 1st Debate

The debate opens with candidates sharing their projected biggest accomplishments as mayor in one year. Andrew Cuomo focuses on 'Rent down, crime down, education scores up, more jobs.' Curtis Sliwa states he will 'exceed all expectations.' Zohran Mamdani's headline is 'Mandani continues to take on Trump, delivers on affordability agenda for New Yorkers.' Following this, moderators question each candidate's leadership qualifications. Cuomo addresses his resignation amid scandal, emphasizing his extensive executive experience. Mamdani's lack of management experience is questioned, to which he highlights his time in the State Assembly fighting for working-class New Yorkers. Sliwa defends his experience through founding the Guardian Angels and criticizes his opponents as 'professional politicians' responsible for current crime issues.

Candidates discuss how they would approach their first call with President Trump. Mamdani expresses willingness to work with Trump on lowering living costs but would stand firm against policies harming New Yorkers. Cuomo, despite past conflicts, says he would fight Trump if he 'tried to hurt New York.' Sliwa advocates for negotiation to secure federal funds, cautioning against confrontational approaches that could harm the city. The debate then shifts to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Mamdani, pressed on his Fox News comments, states Hamas should lay down arms and calls for a ceasefire addressing underlying conditions like 'occupation, siege, and apartheid.' Cuomo and Sliwa criticize Mamdani for his nuanced stance and perceived failure to unequivocally denounce Hamas, with Cuomo accusing him of having an 'anti-Semitic' position.

The candidates address public safety and the NYPD. Sliwa, previously arrested for protesting, outlines his approach to protests, emphasizing rules and regulations but also the right to demonstrate. Mamdani, who has also been arrested for protesting, agrees that protest is a constitutional right but that 'the line will be on the question of breaking the law,' asserting his role as mayor would be to lead from City Hall. Cuomo emphasizes balancing protest rights with maintaining order and enforcing laws, particularly regarding harassment and intimidation. On police reform, Cuomo advocates for adding 5,000 police officers and raising their salaries, emphasizing respect for the NYPD. Sliwa also calls for more police, advocating for returning qualified immunity to officers. Mamdani proposes a 'Department of Community Safety' to offload mental health calls from police, aiming to improve response times and allow officers to focus on core policing duties.

The candidates discuss the high cost of living, sharing personal details on grocery spending and housing costs. Mamdani pledges to freeze rent for nearly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments and build 200,000 affordable homes, suggesting tax increases on the wealthy to fund his plans. Cuomo criticizes Mamdani's rent freeze proposal as unrealistic and a 'Bill Delasio's plan,' stating it would not solve the broader housing crisis. Sliwa proposes converting vacant commercial spaces into affordable housing and offers property tax relief for seniors. On transportation, Mamdani's flagship proposal of free buses is discussed, with him explaining it would be funded by taxing the top 1% and increasing corporate tax rates. Sliwa and Cuomo oppose universal free bus fares, with Cuomo suggesting it would become 'mobile homeless gathering places' and arguing for free buses only for working families who need it.

The discussion moves to quality of life issues, starting with 311 complaints, where candidates express frustration with the system's effectiveness. The top complaints are revealed as noise and illegal parking. Candidates then discuss how they would address issues like illegal parking placards; Cuomo suggests recalling and reissuing legitimate placards, while Sliwa emphasizes lack of enforcement. The conversation shifts to prostitution on Roosevelt Avenue. Mamdani clarifies he does not advocate for legalization but for decriminalization, focusing on supporting women rather than prosecuting them. Cuomo and Sliwa criticize this, arguing it would exacerbate the problem, with Sliwa suggesting focusing on prosecuting johns and pimps. On immigration, candidates discuss the increasing deportations at 26 Federal Plaza. All agree that legal representation is crucial. Sliwa differentiates between protecting working migrants and deporting criminals, while Mamdani shares personal anecdotes of migrants facing immediate deportation.

Candidates are asked to deliver 'elevator pitches' to a tech CEO. Mamdani highlights NYC's quality of life and hunger for innovation. Cuomo emphasizes working with businesses as partners and ensuring competitive taxes. Sliwa focuses on encouraging companies to stay by cutting income taxes for young people and addressing crime. The debate then transitions to education. Sliwa and Cuomo advocate expanding gifted and talented programs and specialized high schools. Mamdani proposes phasing out gifted and talented for kindergarteners, focusing instead on hiring more teachers and reducing class sizes. Regarding migrant students, Cuomo highlights the strain on the system, stating the state needs to help financially, while Mamdani proposes increasing bilingual educators. Finally, on climate change, candidates discuss Local Law 97. Cuomo supports the law but emphasizes feasible implementation. Sliwa argues it would harm co-op owners due to electrification costs, linking it to Cuomo's closure of Indian Point. Mamdani supports the law and making compliance easier for owners.