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NYC Mayoral Candidates Face Off in First 2025 Debate

NYC Mayoral Candidates Face Off in First 2025 Debate

NYC Mayoral Candidates Face Off in First 2025 Debate
Above: Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Zohran Mamdani at the first NYC mayoral debate on Oct. 16, 2025. Image copyright: Angelina Katsanis/AP Photo/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Zohran Mamdani emerged as the clear winner of Thursday’s debate, staying calm, focused on affordability, and avoiding major missteps. Cuomo struggled to land any knockout blows, appearing clinical and off-balance, while Sliwa brought bravado but failed to gain traction. Mamdani also moderated his hard-left positions, emphasizing his readiness to work with businesses. This performance, centered on affordability and cost-of-living issues that matter most to New Yorkers, likely solidifies his double-digit lead and maintains his front-runner status.

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Thursday’s NYC mayoral debate was a disaster for the city. Voters faced a former governor ousted over scandal, a radical nepo candidate with no experience who despises the police and courts terrorists, and an underdog who cares but has no path to victory. No real leadership was on display, leaving concerned New Yorkers with little reason for optimism.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 97.2% chance that Zohran Mamdani will be elected Mayor of New York City in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.



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All rights reserved.

Version 6.17.0