The three leading contenders for New York City mayor meet tonight for the first of two debates before Election Day. Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an Independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican and founder of the Guardian Angels community safety group, will take the stage in a high-stakes event centered on crime, housing, and the city’s ongoing migrant crisis.
With the race tightening, the televised debate gives voters a chance to see how each candidate hopes to shape New York’s future. Here are the details on tonight’s NYC mayor debate and how to watch online.
2025 New York City Mayor Debate: Cuomo vs. Mamdani vs. Sliwa
When: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Where: 30 Rock studios in Manhattan
Live Stream: Watch Below
Live Stream – 2025 NYC Mayoral Debate (Oct. 16)
The debate is set to air at 7 PM ET. Watch the live stream below provided by NBC New York.
Alternate Stream Link: NBCNewYork.com
Tonight’s debate will be broadcast live on NBC 4 New York (WNBC) and Telemundo 47 (WNJU), with streaming available across NBC’s digital platforms, including the NBC New York app, Telemundo Noreste, and the networks’ official websites.
The event is hosted by NBC 4 New York, Telemundo 47, and POLITICO New York, selected by the New York City Campaign Finance Board to organize the official general election debates. It will be broadcast live from NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Center studios, without an in-person audience.
What to Watch For
A new Quinnipiac poll this week shows Mamdani with a double-digit lead over Cuomo, with Sliwa trailing in third. Cuomo’s comeback campaign will be tested on stage as he defends his independent bid, while Mamdani looks to solidify his momentum and Sliwa sharpens his message on crime and city safety.
Viewers can expect questions on:
- Mamdami defending his left-wing socialist plans
- Cuomo defending his response to COVID
- The city’s approach to public safety and policing
- Affordable housing and rent stabilization policies
- Migrant shelter strategy and city spending
- Economic recovery and infrastructure priorities
No, a second and final debate before Election Day will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, hosted on NY1.
Watch live at the stream above starting 7 PM ET.