• Candidates sparred over issues like housing affordability, responses to President Trump, and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Zohran Mamdani's support for Palestinian rights sparked significant debate among candidates.
• Affordability was a central theme, with proposals ranging from rent control to free public transportation.
• Former Governor Andrew Cuomo confronted past controversies while defending his experience.
• Polls show Mamdani gaining significant support ahead of the election.

During a heated debate held at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, the three leading candidates for New York City mayor—Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa—clashed on critical issues, including housing, grocery prices, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and President Trump. Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, defended his stance on Palestinian statehood amidst intense questioning from Cuomo, who criticized him for not explicitly condemning Hamas. Sliwa framed his approach as one that seeks cooperation with Trump for the sake of New Yorkers, illustrating the ongoing political landscape heavily influenced by the former president, even in municipal matters, according to BBC, ABC News, and India Times.

The debate also spotlighted the pressing issues of affordability in New York City, particularly high rents and grocery bills. Sliwa proposed repurposing vacant public housing units to alleviate the crisis, while Mamdani called for free bus service and rent freezes. Cuomo, in contrast, suggested implementing income caps for rent-stabilized apartments and criticized Mamdani's living situation, claiming it was hypocritical for him to advocate for rent control while benefiting from such housing. Mamdani retorted that voters should consider their own rent situations when deciding whom to support, according to BBC and ABC News.

The Israel-Gaza conflict emerged as another contentious topic, with Mamdani's previous statements on the matter drawing scrutiny from his opponents. Cuomo accused Mamdani of being evasive regarding Hamas while advocating for Palestinian rights. Mamdani defended his statements, emphasizing that calls for solidarity should be distinguished from violence. The discussion highlighted the polarizing opinions among voters regarding U.S. foreign policy and its implications locally, particularly in a city with a sizable Jewish population, according to India Times and ABC News.

Cuomo, facing significant scrutiny over his past leadership and resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, used the debate to highlight his experience managing crises and governance. He maintained that his track record as governor and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development equipped him best to tackle the challenges awaiting the next mayor. Mamdani challenged Cuomo by reminding voters of his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding nursing home policies. This back-and-forth reflected deeper questions about integrity and the consequences of past governance in shaping New Yorkers' futures, according to BBC, ABC News, and India Times.

Following the debate, all three candidates claimed victories based on their performances, reflecting their individual strategies tailored to different voter concerns. Polling data indicates Mamdani has gained traction, with recent numbers suggesting he surpasses 50% support among likely voters, whereas Cuomo lagged with 28% and Sliwa at 14%. The debate has reinforced these trends, showcasing Mamdani's effective communication skills and vibrant policy proposals compared to Cuomo's established, yet controversial presence. Meanwhile, Sliwa's straightforward approach resonated well with the audience, illustrating the dynamics of a competitive electoral race in a city rife with challenges, according to India Times.