Curtis Sliwa Torches Andrew Cuomo After NYC Mayoral Debate: “The People Already Fired You Once”

NEW YORK CITY — The first general election debate in the race for New York City mayor exploded into political fireworks Thursday night, as Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa unleashed a fiery rebuke against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, following Cuomo’s bold claim that he was the only man on stage “strong enough to stand up to Donald Trump.”

The debate, hosted at CUNY’s Graduate Center and moderated by NY1’s Errol Louis, marked the first time Cuomo, Sliwa, and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani faced off together. It was expected to focus on the city’s economic recovery and public safety — but quickly spiraled into a clash of personalities, ideology, and ego.

“Cuomo’s Living in the Past”

Cuomo, seeking a political comeback after resigning in disgrace three years ago, used much of his time to paint himself as a steady hand capable of managing crises and standing up to “political bullies” — namely, former President Donald Trump.

“If Donald Trump tries to send the National Guard into New York City, I’ll be the one to stand up to him and tell him to turn those trucks around,” Cuomo declared, his tone defiant as he gestured across the stage. “I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.”

That line set off Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder known for his sharp tongue and street-level populism.

“Andrew Cuomo is living in a fantasy,” Sliwa shot back moments later. “He’s acting like we’re still in 2020, stuck in the middle of his pandemic press conferences. The people of New York already fired you once — what makes you think they want you back?”

Sliwa’s retort drew audible gasps and cheers from the audience.

He continued, “If Donald Trump ever sent the National Guard into this city, it would only be because Democrats like Cuomo let things get so out of control that the feds had no choice. This guy’s trying to act like a hero in a movie that ended years ago.”

The Ghost of Cuomo’s Past

Cuomo, visibly irritated, accused Sliwa of “grandstanding” and claimed the Republican’s tough-on-crime approach amounted to “Trump-style fear politics.”

But the former governor’s attempt to redirect the conversation backfired. Sliwa doubled down, attacking Cuomo’s record as governor and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You want to talk about leadership?” Sliwa fired. “You ordered nursing homes to take in COVID patients, you destroyed small businesses, and you covered up what happened to thousands of seniors. You don’t get to lecture anybody about responsibility or standing up to anyone.”

Cuomo’s camp later called Sliwa’s comments “disgraceful and misleading,” insisting that the former governor “led New York through its darkest hour with courage.”

Yet the exchange underscored a central tension in the mayoral race — whether New Yorkers want a return to establishment politics, a progressive transformation, or a populist rebellion.

Enter Zohran Mamdani — The Wild Card

While Sliwa and Cuomo traded verbal blows, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist assemblyman from Queens, largely avoided the fireworks, instead focusing on his own message: expanding social services, free public transit, and taxing the wealthy to fund them.

At one point, Mamdani quipped, “While these two argue about Trump, I’m trying to figure out how to make buses free for the working class.”

That line earned applause from progressives in the crowd — but Sliwa seized on it, too.

“Free buses, free everything, free chaos,” Sliwa mocked. “Zohran wants socialism on wheels. Cuomo wants a redemption tour. Meanwhile, regular New Yorkers just want to feel safe on the subway again.”

Analysts noted that Sliwa’s populist tone may have helped him stand out, especially to moderate and independent voters disillusioned by both parties.

“We Don’t Need Another Ego Trip”

Speaking to reporters after the debate, Sliwa expanded on his remarks, saying that Cuomo’s attempt to frame himself as the “anti-Trump warrior” was “just another ego trip.”

“Every time Cuomo feels the heat, he blames Trump,” Sliwa said. “Meanwhile, crime’s up, people are moving out, and small businesses can’t survive. We don’t need another lecture from Albany’s disgraced ex-governor — we need someone who’s actually been in the streets, fighting for this city.”

He added, “Cuomo doesn’t understand what New Yorkers are living through. He had 20 years of power and privilege to fix things. Now he wants to play hero again because he misses the spotlight.”

Sliwa also took a swipe at the media, accusing major outlets of “trying to rehabilitate Cuomo’s image” and “ignoring the people who actually kept this city alive.”

“The real heroes are the cops, the EMTs, the small business owners who never gave up,” Sliwa said. “Not the politicians who locked us down and then ran for cover.”

The Road Ahead

The debate, which aired live across several New York stations, immediately set social media ablaze. Hashtags like #SliwaVsCuomo and #NYCDebate trended overnight, with thousands of viewers weighing in on who came out on top.

Political analyst Rebecca Carr told NY Now that Sliwa’s performance “re-energized the Republican base” but may have alienated some moderates with his combative tone.

“Cuomo came across as polished but out of touch,” Carr said. “Mamdani was calm and policy-driven but lacked the charisma to dominate the stage. Sliwa, love him or hate him, owned the energy in that room.”

Cuomo’s team, however, claimed victory, releasing a statement Friday morning calling their candidate “the only adult on the stage.”

“Governor Cuomo demonstrated the strength and experience New Yorkers need in times of crisis,” the campaign said. “Curtis Sliwa offered insults; Zohran Mamdani offered fantasy.”

But Sliwa’s campaign fired back with a sharp one-liner on X (formerly Twitter):

“Cuomo talks about standing up to Trump. New Yorkers just want someone who’ll stand up for them.”

A Defining Moment?

With less than three weeks until Election Day, Thursday night’s debate could prove pivotal. Polls show Cuomo leading narrowly, with Sliwa closing the gap and Mamdani gaining traction among younger voters.

For now, one thing is clear: Sliwa is betting that his brand of streetwise authenticity and anti-establishment grit will resonate more deeply than Cuomo’s comeback narrative or Mamdani’s idealism.

As the lights dimmed in the debate hall, Sliwa was seen chatting with supporters outside the stage door. Someone asked if he thought he’d won the night.

He grinned and shrugged.

“Let’s just say this,” he said. “Cuomo talked about standing up to Trump. I stood up to Cuomo — and I’m still standing.”