New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has issued a public challenge to President Donald Trump for a televised debate, reigniting tensions in the crowded race. The Democratic front-runner’s move comes after former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, invited Mamdani to debate him five times across the city’s boroughs.
Mamdani criticized Cuomo’s approach, stating, “Why should I debate Donald Trump’s puppet when I could debate Donald Trump himself?” The candidate accused Trump of interfering in the election, referencing previous phone calls between the two men about the mayoral race. Mamdani also condemned Trump’s policies, claiming he prioritizes tax breaks for wealthy donors over supporting struggling New Yorkers through programs like SNAP benefits.
Meanwhile, independent candidate Jim Walden disputed Mamdani’s claims about debate schedules, accusing him of misleading the public. Walden noted that invitations for mid-September debates had been formally accepted by Mamdani’s team, Cuomo, and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, though he questioned whether Mayor Eric Adams would participate.
Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani, reiterated his stance that he has no ties to Trump or the administration’s reported interest in the mayoral race. He argued that Mamdani lacks broad public support, citing polling data suggesting the candidate trails with around 40% approval.
Adams’ campaign dismissed Cuomo’s calls for him to drop out, stating the mayor remains the strongest contender against Mamdani. Sliwa, meanwhile, refused to abandon his bid, vowing, “You can’t bribe me. You can’t lease me. You can’t rent me.” The Republican candidate emphasized his commitment to supporters and down-ballot candidates who have invested in his campaign.