In a pivotal New York City mayoral debate, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani showcased his communication prowess, leaving little room for his opponents, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, to make significant inroads. Over two hours, Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, demonstrated why he is a frontrunner in the race, skillfully navigating through tough topics and maintaining his lead in the polls.

Mamdani’s smooth delivery was evident as he addressed city-wide concerns, particularly those around affordability, a central theme of his campaign. Despite an awkward moment when he hesitated to endorse Governor Kathy Hochul—who had earlier endorsed him—his performance was largely unscathed. This incident, highlighted by some Republicans, did little to diminish his appeal among voters.

On the other hand, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, struggled to find his footing. Despite his extensive political career, Cuomo's approach came off as mechanical, particularly when he recycled criticisms from the primary about Mamdani’s past remarks on President Barack Obama. These attacks fell flat, highlighting Cuomo’s challenges in adapting to a race where he is not the clear favorite.

Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa focused on establishing a cooperative stance with President Donald Trump, a move aimed at consolidating MAGA supporters and countering Cuomo’s attempts to appeal to the same demographic. Sliwa’s pragmatic approach to dealing with the president contrasts sharply with the more adversarial stances of his opponents, potentially securing his base in the deeply Democratic city.

Cuomo found himself on the defensive for much of the debate, particularly when confronted with his past administration’s shortcomings in handling issues like homelessness and mental health, as well as the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation. These moments consumed valuable time he could have used to challenge Mamdani, further weakening his position.

While Mamdani was poised and articulate on many issues, his vulnerability surfaced during discussions on public safety and foreign policy, particularly his past comments on Israel and his plans for the Civilian Complaint Review Board. These topics revealed areas where Cuomo, despite his struggles, could still make a compelling argument based on his experience.

As the mayoral race heats up, Mamdani’s performance in this debate solidifies his status as the leading candidate, with his ability to connect on key issues resonating with many New Yorkers. Meanwhile, Cuomo and Sliwa will need to rethink their strategies if they hope to overcome Mamdani’s growing momentum.