Democratic Debate Heats Up: NYC Mayoral Candidates Take Aim at Cuomo

In a heated Democratic primary debate held Wednesday, left-leaning contenders for New York City's mayoral seat targeted frontrunner Andrew Cuomo, deeming him unworthy to lead the nation’s largest metropolis. Their critiques spotlighted Cuomo’s alleged negligence towards New Yorkers, particularly regarding healthcare budget reductions, his management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and accusations of sexual harassment. Zohran Mamdani, the progressive Queens assemblymember currently in second place, swiftly criticized Cuomo’s connections to wealthy interests tied to former President Donald Trump. “Unlike Cuomo, my campaign isn’t funded by the billionaires who endorse Trump,” Mamdani asserted, drawing attention to a pro-Cuomo super PAC that amassed $10 million. The city’s Campaign Finance Board has since withheld over $1 million from Cuomo over possible unlawful coordination with this PAC. The debate, co-hosted by WNBC, Telemundo, and Politico, featured multiple candidates, leading to a sometimes unruly exchange. Participants included City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former Bronx Assemblymember Michael Blake, City Comptroller Brad Lander, Brooklyn state Senator Zellnor Myrie, Queens state Senator Jessica Ramos, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer...