Copyright Newsweek
With early voting in New York City's mayoral race set to begin Saturday, the three leading candidates—Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa—will face off Wednesday night in their final televised debate. The 90-minute event, hosted by NY1 in partnership with WNYC, The City, and other civic institutions, begins at 7 p.m. Eastern and will be broadcast live on Spectrum News NY1, WNYC radio, and YouTube. What To Know The debate will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern and run for 90 minutes. Moderators include Errol Louis (NY1), Brian Lehrer (WNYC), and Katie Honan (The City). Viewers can tune in via Spectrum News NY1, WNYC radio, or YouTube. Mamdani, 34, has held a double-digit lead in public polling since winning the Democratic primary. Cuomo, 67, trails in second, while Sliwa, 71, remains in third despite mounting pressure from GOP leaders and media outlets to exit the race. The outcome of Wednesday’s debate could reshape the final stretch of a race already defined by ideological clashes, legacy politics, and strategic infighting. The debate also marks a critical moment for Cuomo, who must overcome skepticism about his comeback bid and Mamdani’s momentum. For Sliwa, it’s a chance to defend his place in the race amid mounting pressure and to reassert his outsider appeal in a city grappling with affordability, public safety, and political fatigue. Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates. Related Podcasts
