Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor and controversial frontrunner in the city's Democratic mayoral primary, came under fire during Thursday night's final televised debate. The event, held in New York City, featured seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination ahead of the 24 June primary, with early voting set to begin on 14 June.
Among the contenders was Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist state assembly member and rising challenger, who repeatedly criticised Cuomo throughout the evening. The former governor also drew attention for repeatedly mispronouncing Mamdani's name during the debate, an awkward moment that did not go unnoticed.
The other participants included Adrienne Adams, speaker of the New York City Council; Brad Lander, the city comptroller; Scott Stringer, a former comptroller; state senator Zellnor Myrie; and Whitney Tilson, a former hedge fund manager. The candidates sparred over their records and experience, with Cuomo's tenure as governor coming under particular scrutiny.
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid multiple controversies, has remained a polarising figure in New York politics. His presence in the race has dominated the campaign, and Thursday's debate underscored the divisions among the candidates as the primary draws near.
