The second debate for New York City’s Democratic Primary for Mayor was held at John Jay College of Criminal Justice on June 12, 2025. Moderators included Errol Louis (Spectrum News), Brian Lair (NYC Gothamist), and Katie Honen (The City). The debate can be watched on the Spectrum News YouTube Channel.

The second Democratic primary debate for New York City Mayor crackled with tension as seven candidates clashed over the city's future, with former Governor Andrew Cuomo's controversial return to politics dominating the evening's most explosive moments. The debate at John Jay College quickly evolved from policy discussions into personal attacks, with Brad Lander directly confronting Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations that forced his resignation, calling his denials "bold-faced lies." Meanwhile, 33-year-old Assembly member Zohran Mamdani emerged as the progressive firebrand, defending his Democratic Socialist credentials while promising radical changes like rent freezes and free buses, even as opponents questioned whether his inexperience could handle managing 300,000 city workers.

The housing crisis emerged as the defining issue of the campaign, with candidates proposing everything from Myrie's ambitious 1 million new units to Tilson's private-sector approach modeled after Austin, Texas. The debate revealed stark philosophical divides between those favoring massive government intervention and others pushing market-based solutions, while all candidates except Cuomo and Tilson supported an immediate rent freeze. Personal attacks intensified when the conversation turned to Israel and Hamas, with Mamdani accusing Cuomo's campaign of darkening his beard in campaign materials to "scare voters," leading to heated exchanges about antisemitism and community safety that required repeated moderator intervention.

The evening showcased a party grappling with questions of experience versus change, as establishment figures like Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Comptroller Brad Lander highlighted their governing records while outsiders like businessman Whitney Tilson promised to shake up a system he called "inherently corrupting." With early voting currently underway, the debate laid bare the fundamental choice facing Democratic voters: whether to embrace experienced leadership despite his baggage, rally behind progressive calls for transformative change, or seek middle-ground candidates who balance reform with pragmatism in America's most complex city.

The moderators asked each candidate to deliver a 45-second opening that answered two big ideas: What is your core message for New Yorkers, and why are you the right person, at this moment, to run the city? He reminded them that early voting was about to start and that they had drawn their speaking order at random. The goal, he said, was to give viewers a clear first impression of each hopeful's priorities, style, and governing philosophy.

Scott Stringer spoke of lifelong love for New York and said people feel it's tougher to live here. He highlighted past roles as Comptroller, Borough President, and Assembly member. Stringer promised affordable housing, universal childcare, and stronger schools. He said his experience means he can "make the city rise again." He framed himself as competent, experienced, and visionary.

Zellnor Myrie told stories of constituents asking about help for immigrants and schools. He said New Yorkers need a mayor who "puts on gloves and fights." Myrie promised safety, stable housing, and opportunity. He called himself a fighter ready to protect families. He thanked the audience and pledged hard work.

Whitney Tilson introduced himself as a businessman, not a politician. He said the city "is a mess" despite talent and money. Tilson argued leadership is missing and mocked "cute videos" from rivals. He promised to balance budgets, support police, and end "amateur hour." He asked voters to choose competence over social-media fame.

Adrienne Adams called herself "an everyday New Yorker" already doing the mayor's job as City Council Speaker. She said she has led the most diverse Council and negotiated three balanced budgets. Adams stressed grocery costs, library funding, and pre-K as proof she understands family needs. She asked voters to make her the first woman mayor. She said her record shows she can "build affordable housing and protect services."

Brad Lander admitted he is "not the flashiest" but said he makes government work. As Comptroller he claims to have saved taxpayers $2 billion and canceled corrupt contracts. He touted record pension returns and 50,000 affordable homes financed. Lander cited a New York Times panel calling him "the best choice." He promised 500,000 new affordable units as mayor.

Zohran Mamdani said affordability is the crisis. He vowed to freeze rents, make buses free, and provide universal childcare, funded by taxing the rich. He called the race a battle against authoritarianism and high costs. Mamdani highlighted 36,000 volunteers and nearly one million doors knocked. He asked voters to join a "new generation of leadership."

Andrew Cuomo said the city needs an experienced hand. He listed projects he completed as governor, rebuilding LaGuardia Airport, the Second Avenue Subway, managing the state budget and adding more police. Cuomo argued that only someone who has already run large governments can manage 300,000 city workers and face Donald Trump. He warned that inexperience would be "reckless and dangerous." He promised to work "24/7" for New Yorkers.

The moderator opened by describing federal immigration raids, National Guard deployments, and clashes in Los Angeles. He asked what each candidate would do if President Trump tried something similar in New York and claimed the mayor "has no say." Follow-ups from the moderator pressed candidates on how they would fill federal funding gaps after Trump budget cuts and whether it can ever be smart to hold one's tongue to secure better treatment. The moderators also probed how candidates would enforce New York's sanctuary-city laws in the face of federal pressure.

Andrew Cuomo said he stared down Trump before and would do it again. He called Trump's troop deployments "macho authoritarianism" and claimed the president "never sent them to New York because I warned him." Cuomo promised to defend sanctuary-city laws with the nation's largest police force. He argued Trump only fights battles he can win and "cannot win with me." He blamed others for hiring undocumented subway cleaners but said the MTA follows strict rules.

Zohran Mamdani said NYPD units have helped ICE and that will stop. He would bar police from aiding federal raids and restore 200 city immigration lawyers. He supports providing attorneys for deportation cases to raise success rates. Mamdani praised past efforts to shield personal data from ICE. He promised to de-escalate and protect immigrant population.

Adrienne Adams labeled Trump "lawless" and vowed to sue if ICE returns to Rikers Island. She cited Attorney General Tish James as a partner in litigation. Adams promised to uphold sanctuary-city rules now and as mayor. She said the Council already fights federal overreach. She would keep immigrants safe through legal action.

Brad Lander described his actions of escorting immigrants past ICE at a federal court to keep families safe. He said the mayor should "stand up to bullies" and de-escalate conflict. Lander vowed to protect 40 % immigrant residents. He accused Cuomo of cheating immigrant subway cleaners out of wages. He promised proactive defense and peaceful streets.

Scott Stringer recalled opposing Trump as Comptroller. He proposed a $1 billion rainy-day fund split with the state to cover federal cuts. Stringer emphasized maintaining the social safety net until "Hakeem Jeffries becomes Speaker." He promised aggressive lawsuits and budget shields. He cited his prevailing-wage audit of the MTA cleaners.

Zellnor Myrie said Trump's actions are "flat-out unconstitutional." He plans to hire 50 more lawyers to sue and go on offense. To offset federal cuts, he would expand the tax base by building 1 million homes and universal after-school. Myrie said growth can add $18 billion in revenue over 10 years. He vowed to protect immigrants and city finances.

Whitney Tilson said he has fought Trump for 10 years but would avoid needless "Twitter wars." He called Trump a "childish bully" and said ignoring provocation can help the city. Tilson would sue when necessary but focus on servicing the city. Federal funds equal 10 % of the budget, so he would act strategically. He balanced toughness with pragmatism.

Pointing to wide gaps in resume and age, the moderator asked the youngest contender, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani, why voters should trust a first-term assembly member to manage 300,000 city workers. He pushed Zellnor Myrie on converting a legislative record into executive management. The moderator challenged Andrew Cuomo on whether a mayor in his mid-70s could handle "the second-hardest job in America," and he quizzed Adrienne Adams and Whitney Tilson on translating private-sector or outsider experience to City Hall. The underlying theme: does depth of experience, or lack of it, help or hurt in running New York?

Zohran Mamdani argued his campaign shows leadership: starting with just 2 employees and polling at 1% polling, he now has 36,000 volunteers and is polling 2nd just behind the frontrunner. He will hire experts, citing meetings with Maria Torres-Springer and Steve Banks. He said older ideas have failed on housing and affordability. Mamdani promised innovation and competence.

Zellnor Myrie touted passing 60 state laws including early voting. He said Albany was broken until his class arrived. Managing coalitions shows he can lead 300,000 workers. He has listened to stakeholder and done the difficult work that is required by the Mayor. He pledged to "deliver the impossible" for the city. Myrie framed himself as results-oriented.

Andrew Cuomo said experience "matters" and inexperience is dangerous. He listed crises he handled: hurricanes, floods, large budgets. He mocked Mamdani's small staff and lack of large projects. Cuomo noted Trump as greatest threat needing seasoned leader. He attacked Lander over corruption oversight.

Brad Lander replied that he showed leadership by cancelling Eric Adams' corrupt contracts. Leadership is not harassing younger women as mentioned in the Cuomo scandal. He reminded viewers Cuomo's aides resigned in scandal. Lander claimed success saving millions and auditing Adams' deals. He said he builds teams, not "toxic" cultures. Lander highlighted integrity plus management chops.

Scott Stringer said city needs both experience, referencing Cuomo, and vision, referencing Mamdani, which is what he brings to the race. He promoted reforms he passed as Assembly member and affordable housing as Borough President. Stringer claimed his Comptroller office model guides Lander's. He positioned himself as the "third lane" between extremes. He warned against "training-wheels" leadership.

Adrienne Adams emphasized she is already co-running City Hall. Ten years inside shows she knows the job. She oversees 50 Council members and major rezonings. Adams cited 120,000 affordable units championed. She said private-sector management training aids supports her public role.

Whitney Tilson said no-politician background is a "feature." He pointed to Mike Bloomberg's success. Business skills suit managing a giant bureaucracy. Tilson vowed independence from special interests in a low-turnout primary. He said he would hire experienced administrators.

The moderator asked candidates about their top proposals to fix New York's housing crisis. He wanted to know how they would build more homes and make housing cheaper. He also asked about rent freezes and whether rent increases should be tied to landlord profits. The questions focused on making housing affordable for regular New Yorkers who are leaving the city because they can't afford to stay.

Zellnor Myrie said people are leaving New York because they can't afford housing, just like him and his wife who can't afford to buy in their old neighborhood. He wants to build 1 million homes in 10 years because small fixes haven't worked. He said it will be hard but pointed out that the Empire State Building was built in just 13 months 100 years ago. He wants to turn public land into affordable housing and convert empty office buildings into homes. He also wants to fix up NYCHA housing and believes bold leadership can get this done.

Scott Stringer said he could easily promise 2.5 million units but people need affordable housing right now. He wants to use 1,000 vacant lots he found as controller and give that land to non-profits and limited profit developers instead of luxury builders. He wants to build two and three-bedroom apartments for families so they don't leave after having kids. His plan is based on Mitchell-Lama Housing, which he calls the best housing program in the world. He said these buildings create communities with schools and daycare centers, and this is something he can deliver as mayor.

Brad Lander said the New York Times called him the best choice for mayor because he has clear plans and gets things done. When he was a council member, he helped build more affordable housing around the Gowanus Canal than anywhere else in the city. As controller, he saved 35,000 rent-stabilized apartments when Signature Bank failed. He wants to build 500,000 new homes near the new Interborough Express train line and on four of the city's 12 golf courses. He said people will be excited about new neighborhoods with courtyards, daycare centers, schools, and libraries.

Andrew Cuomo said everyone has plans but he's the one who actually gets things done, like building airports, the Moynihan Train Station, and finishing the Second Avenue Subway. He said the city and state housing programs don't work for building hundreds of thousands of units that are needed. He wants to speed up the ULURP process and use every option available including NYCHA units, converting offices to homes, and using all city-owned property. He said New York has failed because it lacks the management ability to complete big projects. He would leave rent decisions to the Rent Guidelines Board.

Adrienne Adams said she already has a plan in action called "City of Yes" the most aggressive rezoning in a generation that will build 82,000 affordable units. She put $5 billion into the City for All proposal and is already doing the work while others just talk about plans. She wants to keep New Yorkers like her own children from leaving because the city isn't affordable. Her plan includes fixing HPD vacancies, protecting communities like Southeast Queens, expanding city FEPS vouchers, and helping NYCHA and Mitchell-Lama residents with repairs. She also wants to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and deed theft.

Whitney Tilson said his plan is the opposite of Mamdani's "unleash the private sector" instead of spending $100 billion in city money. He believes private companies can build housing much faster than government. He pointed to Austin, Texas where rents went up 25% in 2021, but after the city changed zoning rules and increased housing supply by 15% in three years, rents dropped by 20%. He wants to cut through city bureaucracy that forces businesses to hire special people just to deal with city agencies. He thinks rents can actually go down in New York, not just stay the same.

Zohran Mamdani told a story about meeting a grandmother in Brownsville who had been waiting seven years for senior housing and might have to leave the city. He said his campaign will build 200,000 truly affordable homes using existing city programs like SARA (Senior Affordable Rental Apartments) and ELLA (Extremely Low-Level Affordability). These programs help New Yorkers who are being priced out. He also wants to make it easier for private builders by ending parking requirements and taking a citywide planning approach instead of doing projects piece by piece.

Who would vote for a rent stabilize rent free this year?
Adams: Yes
Lander: Yes
Mamdani: Yes
Myrie: Yes
Stringer: Yes
Cuomo: Leave it to the Rent Guidelines Board
Tilson: No

Are you open to tying rent hikes to landlord profits?
Landers and Cuomo stated that this is the law set by the Rent Guidelines Board. There is an economic analysis done to set the rent increases year over year.

The moderator confronted Andrew Cuomo with the attorney-general findings that forced his resignation and asked how voters should weigh those allegations. She invited other candidates to weigh in, sparking a broader exchange about workplace culture and accountability. The moderator's concise query set off the evening's most personal back-and-forth.

Andrew Cuomo asked for people to look at the facts, mentioning that it was all political. Cuomo called the AG report "all political" and said five district attorneys found nothing. He noted one civil case, from which he was dropped. He said opponents use the issue for "political fodder." He denied wrongdoing.

Brad Lander said everyone knows Cuomo harassed women and created a toxic workplace. He gave example of Cuomo questioning a 25-year-old staffer about her sex life. Lander said young graduates should not fear City Hall. He labeled Cuomo's response "bold-faced lies." He urged accountability.

Andrew Cuomo’s response was that Lander's attack was a lie. He said look at the facts: the attorney general's report was hearsay, the district attorney's found nothing, and he was dropped from the cases.

Zellnor Myrie said it should be obvious, [Cuomo] resigned. It's unfortunate that we have to talk about this rather than the issues the voters care about.

The moderator cited a near-tripling of disorderly-conduct complaints since 2018 and asked if NYPD should keep handling quality-of-life issues or if other models work better. He pressed candidates on preventing unconstitutional profiling while improving street order. Follow-ups touched on subway safety, homelessness, and the 2021 budget cuts labeled "defund." The moderator wanted concrete plans that balanced civil rights with public comfort.

Brad Lander’s top goal is ending street homelessness among mentally ill. He cited issues of attacks on subway stations and said that everyone deserves to feel safe. He said policing alone cannot fix subway incidents. He backs "Housing First," citing success in Houston, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Lander plans more supportive housing and services. This will create a better city for everyone.

Scott Stringer would name a Deputy Mayor for Quality of Life and launch "quality-stat." He wants data-driven coordination across agencies like sanitation and DOT. Stringer pledged 24-hour complaint resolution. He said swagger means solving problems, not showmanship. Town-hall tours would keep him accountable.

Zohran Mamdani blamed under-funded agencies for dirty streets and poor quality parks. He said NYPD request to remove trash cans showed poor priorities. Backed by DC37, he promised full staffing and excellence. Mamdani seeks well-maintained parks and public spaces. He links quality-of-life to fully funded agency budgets, not policing. When attacked by Tilson, Mamdani said he would not defund the police, but that he would work with them and allow them to do their jobs.

Zellnor Myrie proposed police and clinician subway teams around the clock. Each borough would get stabilization centers to provide mental health services. He wants invest in the programs that prevent crime including 50,000 summer youth jobs and universal after-school to prevent crime. Myrie said compassion plus enforcement yields safety. He urged investment in proven prevention.

Whitney Tilson supports quality-of-life enforcement like ticketing e-bikes on sidewalks. He accused Mamdani of "demonizing" police and noted police staffing is at 34-year low. Tilson called for rebuilding ranks and supporting police to complete their work more efficiently. He said police paperwork outlasts arrests due to revolving-door justice. He wants consistent consequences.

Adrienne Adams explained FY 2021 cuts were pandemic-wide, not "defund." She said many agencies took "haircuts," including NYPD. Many other services faced cuts as well. As mayor she will "Trump-proof" the budget with $1.9 B reserves. Adams wants resources for nonprofits, children, and seniors.

Andrew Cuomo said people feel unsafe despite stats. He blamed $1 B NYPD cut and "defund" rhetoric and attacked Mamdani and Lander for their stance on police andcrime. Cuomo would add 5,000 officers and pair mental-health pros with cops. He said safety is prerequisite for opportunity. Cuomo linked progressives to rising disorder, and stated that we need people to feel safe.

Do you Still have a MetroCard in your wallet?
Myrie: Yes
Cuomo: Yes
Adams: Yes

Name one department to cut or trim
Tilson: Department of Education.
Stringer: Find efficiencies everywhere, not cutting one department.
Myrie: Shift Economic Development Corporation to other funds.
Mamdani: Slash costly consultants, cited Mckinsey's plan to design trashcans.
Lander: Charge agencies for legal claims which were $2B, that will help reduce them and save hundred of millions of dollars.
Cuomo: Overhaul the city from top to bottom, starting with Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Adams: Need to revamp not cut. Review bloated contracts from Eric Adams' cronyism.

Is it possible to close Rikers Island by 2027?
All said "No"

Do you support expansion of red-light cameras?
All said "Yes."

Have you ever voted for a a republican?
Only Tilson (Bloomberg) said yes.

What is your favorite park and would you allocate 1% of the city's budget to parks?
Tilson: Central Park, yes
Stringer: All parks, yes
Myrie: Prospect Park, yes
Mamdani: Astoria Park, yes
Lander: Prospect Park, yes
Cuomo: Cunningham Park, yes
Adams: Baseline Park, yes

Which borough have you spend the least amount of time in?
All said Staten Island except for Stringer, who said he’s been everywhere.

The debate moderator, welcomed viewers back to the Democratic primary debate at John Jay College. He explained that the candidates would now take turns asking questions to each other.

Stringer to Adams
Scott Stringer: During the City of Yes negotiations, you brought billions in benefits. Do you envision using those parcels of land for affordable housing and coupling that with funding for your housing agenda as mayor?
Adrienne Adams: Thank you for recognizing my work bringing billions for housing. As mayor, I would be open to any feasible housing options. My work is just the floor, not the ceiling, and I'm willing to expand on what I've done as speaker.

Myrie to Adams
Zellnor Myrie: We've seen 200,000 black New Yorkers leave this city. What implications does City of Yes have for black New Yorkers struggling to stay here?
Adrienne Adams: Within our proposal, renamed City for All, we've built in financial safeguards for black families. We've included $5 billion to protect homeowners and make repairs. We're also helping NYCHA and Mitchell-Lama residents. As someone from a black family, I want to make sure our children can stay here.

Tilson to Mamdani
Whitney Tilson: You're a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member who calls each other "comrade." The DSA platform calls for government ownership of major industries, decriminalizing misdemeanors, emptying prisons, and defunding police. Will you disavow this or implement it as mayor?
Zohran Mamdani: Like David Dinkins, I'm a member but the organization's platform is not my campaign platform. My platform at zohranfornyc.com focuses on making the city affordable and safe. We'll create a Department of Community Safety so police can focus on major crimes while mental health professionals handle those calls.

Adams to Mamdani
Adrienne Adams: I have 20 years in private sector, led the council through challenges, and managed billions in budgets. You said you're the most qualified to be mayor in a recent New York Times article. Given my experience, do you think you're more qualified than me?
Zohran Mamdani: I appreciate your work and leadership. Each of us believes we're most qualified to lead. I believe I'm best suited because I'm laser-focused on the affordability crisis. We'll address this through rent freezes, free buses, and universal childcare.

Lander to Cuomo
Brad Lander: Peter Arbini's father died because of your order sending COVID patients to nursing homes. You altered the health department report to hide deaths and lied to families for five years. Will you finally apologize or keep gaslighting them with blather about what a great job you claim you did?
Andrew Cuomo: Facts matter. 1.2 million died of COVID in the US, 83,000 in New York. We followed federal guidance. New York ranked 38/50 across the country in nursing home death rates. Mr. Arbini's legal case was dismissed. No COVID-positive person was sent to his nursing home while his father was there, so it was not possible for him to have gotten COVID.

Mamdani to Cuomo
Zohran Mamdani: You've received millions from billionaires who support Trump. Will you tell your super PAC to return those millions and return the half million to your campaign to make sure this is not a race that is bought by those same Trump billionaires?
Andrew Cuomo: It would be illegal to direct independent expenditures. I dealt with Trump as governor and got more help for New York than expected. I have more union support than any candidate here.

Cuomo to Tilson
Andrew Cuomo: You're a financial expert. Mamdani says he can build housing, provide free buses, build grocery stores, and keep taxes no higher than New Jersey's. Is this feasible?
Whitney Tilson: His plan to raise corporate taxes to New Jersey's level would actually make NYC's total tax rate double New Jersey's, triple Connecticut's, and five times Florida's. This would drive businesses away. All of his plans have to go through Albany, where there is no appetite for what he is calling for. We need economic growth like Bloomberg achieved, not destructive policies.

The moderator asked how candidates would bring New Yorkers together during tense times, like the Israel-Hamas war. He first asked Mamdani what he would tell Jewish New Yorkers who support Israel and feel unsafe. Later, he asked Cuomo why he rarely visited mosques as governor. The moderator gave each candidate 60 seconds to explain how they would protect all communities and reduce division in the city. He stressed that this was an important duty of every NYC mayor.

Zohran Mamdani said he hears Jewish New Yorkers' fears about safety. He shared stories of people feeling scared in synagogues, including a friend who got nervous when doors opened during services. He also mentioned meeting a man in Williamsburg who now locks his synagogue doors out of fear. Mamdani promised to protect Jewish New Yorkers as mayor. He said he supports peaceful protest but wants to focus on making NYC more affordable for everyone. He quoted former Mayor Ed Koch about not needing to agree on everything.

Andrew Cuomo: When asked about mosque visits, Cuomo said he would check his records but believed he had met with Muslim leaders, but he wasn't sure. He stated that this is a city of immigrants and he welcomes them. He then strongly attacked Mamdani, saying he divides people by supporting boycotts of Israel. Cuomo compared Mamdani to Trump, saying both create division. He said the city needs unity, not boycotts.

Mamdani and Cuomo Exchange
The debate turned heated when Mamdani accused Cuomo's campaign of darkening his beard in mailings to scare voters. Cuomo and Stringer then attacked Mamdani's past statements about Israel and other leaders. The exchange grew more intense when Stringer brought up controversial comments about President Obama and Congressman Jeffries. Several candidates talked over each other, showing deep disagreements about how to handle community relations. The moderator had to step in multiple times to keep order.

Adrienne Adams promised to protect all New Yorkers, no matter who they are. As Council Speaker, she gave millions to fight hate crimes and anti-Semitism. She wants to fully staff the Human Rights Commission, saying it's currently missing 20% of its workers. She said rising anti-Semitism must stop and called it unacceptable. Adams promised to make unity a top priority as mayor.

Brad Lander, who is Jewish, talked about raising his Jewish children in NYC. He promised to keep both Jews and Muslims safe in NYC. He goes to both synagogues and mosques, recently attending a mosque for Eid celebrations in the Bronx. He wants peace between Israelis and Palestinians but said that's not the mayor's job. His focus is bringing New Yorkers together.

Zellnor Myrie said NYC is special because people can be themselves safely and pray how they want. He wants to fund programs such as the Office to Prevent Hate Crimes and Commission on Human Rights to teach about different cultures. He promised to protect both Jewish and Muslim communities. Myrie called for more education about Jewish history in schools.

Scott Stringer said he strongly supports Israel and opposes boycotts, calling himself a Zionist. He talked about his wife working at the Jewish Heritage Museum and worrying about his children's safety. As a past city leader, he brought Muslim and Jewish groups together and helped get halal food in schools. He shared examples of supporting Muslims after 9/11 when they faced prejudice.

Whitney Tilson said Jewish New Yorkers don't feel safe, especially students at Columbia University. He told stories of Jewish students being harassed and even punched on campus. He blamed protest leaders for causing problems. He criticized Mamdani's social media posts about Israel, saying they show bias against Jews. Tilson promised to end chaos and protect Jewish New Yorkers if elected mayor.

Zohran Mamdani defended himself one last time, saying he quotes Israeli leaders when discussing the conflict. He named specific Israeli historians and a former prime minister who made similar statements to his. He said being labeled as dangerous leads to hate, mentioning that one city official suggested deporting him. The exchange showed how personal and heated the debate had become over issues of safety, religion, and free speech in New York City.

Turning to education, the moderator questioned Whitney Tilson first about how he would pay for the new class-size mandate, . He then asked other contenders how they would meet special-education needs, retain teachers, and balance pre-K expansion with other priorities all while controlling the $40 billion Department of Education budget.

Whitney Tilson opposes class-size mandate, saying it costs $1.6 B yearly and weakens teacher quality. He prefers investing in high-impact methods and holding adults accountable. Tilson cites Teach for America and KIPP charter schools as his experience in education. He pledges to put students first. He wants to cut waste at Department of Education.

Adrienne Adams said class-size law is a mandate and will be met. She wants Department of Education dollars to reach kids not consultants. Adams stresses too many students crammed together hurt learning. She discusses the size of the Department of Education's budget and will audit contracts and shift funds to classrooms. Equity is her goal.

Zellnor Myrie values his PS 161 roots. Myrie supported class-size bill in Albany because data show better results he voted for it. He seeks more mental-health staff post-COVID. Investments will help teachers stay. Myrie wants universal after-school K-12.

Zohran Mamdani said Department of Education must fill paraprofessional vacancies and pay bonuses to fill 10,000 positions. Tutor programs should serve special-needs kids. He condemned millions to consultants. He backs class-size but wants funding rebalanced. Every child deserves the same excellence.

Scott Stringer said he recognizes that overcrowding hurts the educational experience as seen by his own middle-school sons' experiences. He champions smaller classes and teacher support calling them the lifeblood of the city. He vowed to end waste and blamed Department of Education "cesspool" of contracts he audited. Retention fails since Tier 6 pensions, blaming Cuomo; he would fix that.

Andrew Cuomo praised pre-K expansion that he pioneered and want to do more. He warned of fiscal responsibility and the financial requirements of mandates. He said mandates need state funding or hurt other programs. Smaller classes are good but Albany must pay. Cuomo emphasized mayor must advocate for city money. He supports more early childhood seats.

Brad Lander backed lower class sizes starting with low-income schools. He stated that his proposal was heralded by the New York Times and that he has documented how much money is needed in his plan. To implement his plan, he would start to reduce class sizes in low-income schools and implement team teaching to share resources. He cited Brooklyn 305 as an example of a school that merged and shared resources.

With 252 traffic deaths last year, far from Vision Zero, the moderator asked what concrete steps would move the city closer to zero fatalities. A listener question he read aloud pressed for solutions to "out-of-control" mopeds, e-bikes, and scooters. Candidates had one minute to address both street redesign and enforcement.

Scott Stringer said Vision Zero needs more vision. He supports dedicated bike lanes and zero tolerance for sidewalk riding. He'd boost education and enforcement, specifically citing politicians who abuse the system. He would strip placards from those politicians. Safety stats must improve.

Brad Lander received StreetsPAC endorsement. He will revive the Reckless Driver Accountability Act to impound cars of chronic speeders. Infrastructure redesigns and accountability courts are keys. He said he hasn't had a speeding ticket in four years. Zero traffic deaths is possible.

Zohran Mamdani linked e-bike chaos to app delivery deadlines. He would hold companies like DoorDash, who donated to Cuomo, accountable and finish the Streets Master Plan. Protected bike and bus lanes are overdue. He labeled current streetscape incoherent. Enforcement targets corporate models, not workers.

Andrew Cuomo started by defending the fact he received funds from DoorDash and regretted leaving e-bike rules to localities due to slow adoption. He'd cap speed at 15 mph and make apps liable for tickets. Every bike must be licensed through companies. He called current conditions mayhem. Safety overrides convenience.

Adrienne Adams said Department of Transportation is out of compliance with the Streets Master Plan. Her commissioner would deliver protected lanes and enforcement by making sure they are in compliance. She will use oversight skills from Council hearings. Adams stressed balanced budgets and safe streets.

Zellnor Myrie sympathized with seniors dodging e-bikes. He supports regulation and more protected lanes. He backed "super-speeder" bill in Albany to suspend dangerous drivers. Myrie wants enforcement plus design fixes. Safety is shared responsibility.

Whitney Tilson was hit on his bike; he supports more cameras and speed-gate tech. He backs 15 mph cap on e-bikes and tech limits for chronic speeders' cars. Tilson wants enforcement against red-light and speeding. He praised Mayor Adams for recent e-bike rule change. Data-driven tech solutions lead his plan.

In the closing minute the moderator rattled off last quick hits: raise street-vendor permits, grade legal cannabis shops, name second-choice candidate, hike fare-beating fines, and point to one overpriced NYC cost besides rent. The blitz ended the debate on lighter yet telling notes.

Increase street-vendor permits?
All candidates support increasing the number.

Are legal cannabis shops good?
Cuomo, Lander and Mamdani said net positive; others cautious.

Who’s your second-choice candidate?
Tilson chose Cuomo; others stayed silent.

Subway fare-beating penalty hike?
No candidate favored harsher penalties.

Do you read printed newspapers?
All still read paper editions.

What’s the biggest non-rent cost to cut?
Groceries (Adams, Tilson, Cuomo)
Childcare (Lander, Mamdani, Myrie, Stringer)

Who’s your politician friend?
Tilson: Cory Booker
Stringer: Everyone on the stage
Myrie: Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins
Mamdani: Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Lander: State Senator Liz Krueger
Cuomo: Mike Bloomberg & David Paterson
Adams: Attorney General Letitia James

_{Note: This content was summarized in collaboration with AI and fact-checked for accuracy. Any questions or concerns, please reach out at: [email protected].}

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