Debate Highlights: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa Face Off

The third debate between Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa was a bitter and combative affair, with the three candidates trading personal attacks and disagreeing fiercely over the Israel-Hamas war and President Trump. Despite a strong lead in the polls, Mamdani did not play it safe, aggressively attacking Cuomo and highlighting their differing views on affordable housing.

Key Takeaways:

Zohran Mamdani took an aggressive stance toward Andrew Cuomo, questioning his experience and handling of the city's affordability crisis.
Mamdani emphasized his own proposals for affordable housing, including universal child care, and argued that Cuomo's plans were unrealistic.
Curtis Sliwa attacked both Mamdani and Cuomo, focusing on their inexperience and views on Israel, and frequently compared Cuomo unfavorably with his late father, Mario Cuomo.
Cuomo struggled to land a meaningful punch against Mamdani, and his attacks seemed to fall along the same lines.
The debate touched on several key issues, including the Israel-Hamas war, President Trump, and the cost of living in New York City.
The candidates' grocery bills and housing costs diverged significantly, with Cuomo paying more than three times as much as Mamdani for his apartment in Manhattan.
Sliwa took an unusually hostile tone toward expanding the subway, opposing the extension of the Q train to Harlem.

Statistics:

Zohran Mamdani's average grocery bill was around $125 to $150 per week, compared to $150 for Cuomo and $175 for Sliwa.
Mamdani's rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens, costs him $2,300 per month, compared to $7,800 for Cuomo's apartment in Manhattan.
Curtis Sliwa's weekly grocery bill changed from $175 to egg, milk, and a roll (no-salt) to cheese, $175 to cheese, bread, and a container of milk.
77% of the debate focused on highly important topics like the Israel-Hamas war and President Trump.

Sources:

"The New York Times"
"Pool photo by Angelina Katsanis"