The final debate before New York City’s mayoral election ended with more heat than light. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa faced off in a tense and often personal exchange on Wednesday night. The debate, held less than two weeks before election day, gave voters one last look at the three candidates. But rather than offering fresh ideas, the event was filled with accusations and insults that left little room for policy discussion. From the start, Mamdani and Cuomo clashed repeatedly. Cuomo accused Mamdani of having no new ideas and recycling old policies from past administrations. Mamdani shot back, saying Cuomo spent more time attacking others than solving problems when he was governor. Their exchanges grew louder and more personal as the night went on. When asked about housing issues, Mamdani blamed Cuomo for delays in affordable housing projects during his time as governor. Cuomo quickly fired back, saying governors do not build housing, which sparked overlapping arguments that the moderator struggled to control. Tensions reached a peak when Mamdani brought up the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo. He directly asked what Cuomo had to say to the women involved. Cuomo dismissed the question, calling it immature and claiming the cases were resolved. The moment summed up the tone of the night — sharp personal jabs that overshadowed detailed plans for the city’s future. Immigration became another flashpoint after recent ICE raids in New York. Cuomo said he would have personally called Donald Trump to stop such actions if he were mayor. Mamdani accused him of being too close to Trump and called him “Trump’s puppet.” Sliwa, the Republican candidate, took a different route. He said he would work with Trump to secure a good deal for the city, adding that leadership sometimes requires negotiation. The discussion soon turned into an argument over who Trump might support in the race. Cuomo claimed Trump secretly wanted Mamdani to win, while Mamdani said Cuomo was using fear to divide voters. Sliwa often positioned himself between the two front-runners, offering humor and sharp one-liners. He mocked their constant arguing, comparing them to children in a schoolyard. He said Mamdani’s résumé could fit on a napkin and that Cuomo’s failures could fill a public library. His jokes drew brief laughter but also highlighted how chaotic the debate had become. The safety of Jewish residents also became a serious topic. Cuomo accused Mamdani of encouraging antisemitism and cited a letter from hundreds of rabbis warning about his influence. Mamdani denied the claims, saying they were politically motivated attacks based on his faith and background. He promised to protect Jewish communities, including through education about Jewish history and stronger security at schools and synagogues. Sliwa added to the criticism, accusing Mamdani of supporting global extremism, which Mamdani firmly rejected. Throughout the evening, Mamdani faced repeated criticism for avoiding direct answers. When asked about education reform, he spoke about improving literacy but offered few details. He also declined to take a firm stance on zoning reforms known as the “City of Yes.” Cuomo and Sliwa both seized on these moments, accusing him of lacking experience and clarity. Cuomo argued that running a government requires skill and crisis management, qualities he claimed Mamdani did not have. Sliwa agreed, saying Mamdani’s plans, like a $30 minimum wage and free buses, sounded unrealistic. After 90 minutes of sharp exchanges, it was unclear if the debate changed any minds. Cuomo emphasized his long record in government and argued that experience matters most. Mamdani portrayed himself as a candidate of change, promising a more affordable New York where working families can still live. Sliwa remained lively but struggled to be seen as a serious contender. As election day approaches, most analysts say the debate likely reinforced existing opinions rather than shifting voter sentiment. While Mamdani still leads in most polls, Cuomo’s attacks could sway undecided voters, and Sliwa’s energetic performance may keep his supporters engaged. The debate ended as it began — with each candidate standing firm, trading insults, and offering voters a clear view of their personalities but few new policies to consider.