The frontrunner in the race to become New York's Mayor, has taken part in a highly-anticipated TV debate with his two rivals. Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani could become the city's first Muslim leader.

New York

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist, has emerged as the leading candidate in the New York mayoral race following a surprise victory in the Democratic primary, largely driven by support from young voters. During a televised debate, Mamdani faced criticism from former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, particularly regarding his position on Palestinian rights and his refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, as well as his perceived lack of experience.

Despite these attacks, Mamdani's supporters praised his fresh ideas and effective communication, especially at a Brooklyn watch party organized by Democratic Socialists. However, many mainstream Democrats are distancing themselves from his far-left policies, especially after recent national elections saw a shift to the right. The outcome of the mayoral race is being closely watched as an indicator of the Democratic Party's future direction.

New York mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani takes part in TV debate

33-year-old Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani is the man to beat in the mayoral election after a surprise victory in the Democratic primary, thanks largely to young voters in neighborhoods like this one who came out in force. They also came out tonight to watch the debate. They were cheering him on when his opponents came out swinging. One of the first topics former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attacked him for, his support for Palestinian rights. The Assemblyman still won't say he believes that Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state. He is a divisive personality. I've said time and again that I recognize Israel's right to exist. I've said that I will not recognize any states. As a Jewish state. I said that I will not. As a Jewish state. If I would be allowed to finish. Okay. That I would not recognize any states' right to exist with a system of hierarchy on the basis of race or religion. I have made that very clear. And part of that is because I'm an American who believes in the importance of equal rights being enshrined in every single country, whether we're speaking about Israel, whether we're speaking about Saudi Arabia. Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing to him in the Democratic primary and Republican Curtis Sliwa, also attacked the 33 year old for his lack of experience. But here in Brooklyn at a watch party organized by the Democratic Socialists who support him, they like his fresh ideas. Zoran is a great speaker. I think he's able to articulate his platform very effectively. And you know, Cuomo kind of doesn't stand for anything as far as I'm concerned. I am a practical person, but I'm also a dreamer and I want buses to be free and affordable and I want the rent to be affordable and I want child care to be affordable and I don't care about the billionaires who, like Sliwa and Cuomo, are worried about leaving. Nevertheless, many mainstream Democrats are keeping their distance from Mamdani's far left policies after the last national elections, which saw the country, including New York, swing to the right. Many are watching closely what will happen on November 4th as a bellwether of where the Democratic Party is heading in next year's congressional midterm elections. Kristen Salumi, Al Jazeera, New York.

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Breakdown