Socialist upstart candidate Zohran Mamdani entered the first general mayoral election debate as the front-runner and left the same way –despite some strong performances from his rivals, a Post panel of political experts said.

Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa “did what they needed to do” Thursday by repeatedly hitting the Democratic candidate on tough issues like Israel, his past calls to defund the police and his lack of experience.

But it may still not be enough to move the needle.

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Socialist newcomer Zohran Mamdani entered the first general mayoral debate as the frontrunner — and left the same way — despite solid showings from his rivals, a Post panel of political experts said.NBC
“All the candidates did well – and that’s the problem for New Yorkers who don’t want a socialist mayor,” Republican strategist Bill O’Reilly told The Post.

“Will that be enough to change the nature of this race? We’ll see over the next few days.”

Marist University Institute for Public Opinion Director Lee Miringoff also poured cold water on the idea that any major change would materialize before the Nov. 4 election.

“I did not conclude from this debate any major shift in voter sentiment,” Miringoff said after the two-hour verbal brawl hosted by NBC 4 New York, Telemundo and Politico.

“There was no ‘aha’ moment,” he said.

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Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani speaks during a mayoral debate at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 16, 2025 in New York City.Getty Images
A Fox News poll released just before the debate started showed Mamdani breaking 50% for the first time in the contentious race so far.

The democratic socialist garnered 52% of likely voters, with Cuomo and Sliwa trailing at 28% and 14%, respectively, the poll showed.

One of veteran Democratic strategist Bill Cunningham’s main takeaways was that Mamdani held his ground and that Sliwa had a strong performance.

But “I don’t think it’ll have much impact unless the 10% that’s sort of undecided starts to drift towards him, but that’s not enough to elect the mayor,” Cunningham said.

“I don’t think Mamdani lost any of his supporters and I don’t think Cuomo landed any punches that shook the race up.”

Republican strategist Rob Ryan gave props to Cuomo, the former three-term Dem governor, for showing off his experience.

“He was well rehearsed and did his best to be affable, which is exceedingly hard for him,” he said, adding that Cuomo deserved an A, since he proved he was the most knowledgeable candidate on the issues.

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Independent candidate former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a mayoral debate in New York, on Oct. 16, 2025.via REUTERS
But Post Panelists highlighted Mamdani’s ability to remain message-disciplined and come back to his core message of “affordability” throughout the slugfest at 30 Rockefeller Center.

“Whether or not you like what he has to say about Israel, Hamas, cops, gifted-and-talented schoolchildren, private property rights, higher taxes or legalized prostitution, Mamdani has maintained message discipline and control about the city’s unaffordability,” said Democratic operative Ken Frydman.

“That’s what wins elections.”

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Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa speaks during a mayoral debate at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 16, 2025 in New York City.Getty Images
Longtime political strategist Andrew Kirtzman also said that while Mamdani has vulnerabilities on issues that should make him an “easy target,” his generationally good communication skills prevented him from taking any major hits during the debate.

Democratic operative and lobbyist Yvette Buckner noted not much has changed since Mamdani trounced Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June.

“Tonight’s debate was essentially a rerun of the primary. Mamdani stayed calm under fire, and Cuomo didn’t land the kind of punch that was needed to change the race this late in the game,” she said.

Ryan also he noted Sliwa’s strong performance.

“A new and mature Curtis Sliwa – sans red beret. Came off as serious and fairly well versed on issues,” he said.

“Also, he gets a Gold Star for not bringing up feral felines over the course of the debate.”