Particle.news
Download on the App Store
181 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Mamdani Addresses Trump on Fox, Then Centers Affordability in First NYC Mayoral Debate

The front-runner is seeking to reposition himself as a pragmatic negotiator focused on cutting living costs.

Analysis of Mayoral Debate: Cuomo, versus Sliwa, versus Mandani
Image
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 13: New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a campaign rally at United Palace on October 13, 2025 in New York City. With the November 4th general election less than a month away, Mamdani, who maintains a double-digit lead over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, held a rally to focus on his campaign promises for an affordable city for all residents, which include providing universal childcare, a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, and free buses. Attorney General Letitia James made her first public appearance after her indictment, urging voters to support Mamdani. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 16: Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa (C) speaks alongside Independent nominee former, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (L) and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani during a mayoral debate at Rockefeller Center on October 16, 2025 in New York City. The candidates for New York City mayor are facing off in their first debate ahead of the November 4 election. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis-Pool/Getty Images)

Overview

  • In his first Fox News appearance, Zohran Mamdani looked into the camera to tell President Trump he wants a partnership to lower New Yorkers’ costs and said he would not govern like Eric Adams or Andrew Cuomo.
  • He issued a direct apology to NYPD rank-and-file for past comments and said he aims to work with officers as part of his public safety agenda.
  • Pressed on Gaza, he declined to take a definitive position on Hamas’s future, reiterated prior criticism of Israel’s campaign, and said he would exhaust legal options regarding Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • At Thursday’s three-way debate, all candidates pledged to work with Trump, with Mamdani emphasizing affordability as Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa highlighted law-and-order priorities.
  • Mamdani leads recent polls and is promoting free buses and childcare funded by higher taxes on the wealthy, an approach questioned on feasibility, with a second debate set for Oct. 22 ahead of the Nov. 4 election.