In a heated debate on Wednesday night, the leading candidates for New York City mayor clashed over their qualifications and how to handle President Donald Trump. The debate featured Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. This was their first joint appearance since incumbent Mayor Eric Adams suspended his reelection campaign.

The candidates were asked how they would approach a first call with Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if Mamdani wins. Cuomo stated, "I would say to the president... I will fight you every step of the way if you try to hurt New York." Mamdani responded by criticizing Trump’s potential use of the justice system against New York Attorney General Letitia James, calling it an "act of cowardice." Sliwa, meanwhile, emphasized the need to negotiate with Trump, warning against the consequences of tough rhetoric.

Crime was a significant topic during the debate. Sliwa, known for his role with the Guardian Angels, criticized both Cuomo and Mamdani for their approaches to law enforcement. He stated, "You can be tough, but you can't be tough if it's going to cost people desperately needed federal funds." Mamdani advocated for mental health professionals to respond to certain calls instead of police, a stance that Sliwa opposed.

Cuomo targeted Mamdani’s experience, labeling him as unprepared for the role. He said, "This is not a job for someone who has no management experience to run 300,000 people, no financial experience to run a $115 billion budget." Mamdani countered, asserting, "What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity, and what you don't have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience."

The debate also touched on issues of affordability and immigration. Mamdani criticized Cuomo for not addressing affordability during the debate, while Sliwa proposed tax relief for older Americans. On immigration, Sliwa took a moderate stance, advocating for the deportation of illegal immigrants while recognizing the need for hard workers in the country. Mamdani expressed opposition to federal immigration operations.

The candidates also discussed their views on Israel. Cuomo accused Mamdani of being divisive regarding Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, to which Mamdani responded, "I recognize Israel's right to exist... I would not recognize any state's right to exist with a system of hierarchy on the basis of race or religion."

The debate featured moments of levity, including questions about breakfast preferences and cannabis purchases. The next debate is scheduled for October 22, ahead of the November 4 election.