Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani supporters gather outside 30 Rock in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Fox News Digital/Deirdre Heavey)
New York state Sen. Andrew Jackson, who was cheering on Mamdani from across 50th Street, said Cuomo already had his chance to deliver for New Yorkers as governor, telling Fox News Digital that Cuomo "was not the leader that we wanted, he never came through on it."
On the flip side, Jackson praised Mamdani for getting New Yorkers excited about politics, explaining that he loved Mamdani's "straightforward" and "no nonsense" policies.
MAMDANI RIPPED BY RIVALS FOR UNPOPULAR STANCE DURING FIERY NYC DEBATE: 'YOU WON'T SUPPORT ISRAEL'
However, both Emily and Anthony Braue, a Bronx union worker, said Mamdani's policies are driving their support for Cuomo.
"Giving away free stuff is not the answer," Brau said, telling Fox News Digital that he appreciates how Cuomo supports union workers, wants to build infrastructure in New York City and make it a safer place to live.
Emily added that Mamdani is "not experienced," and his "policies seem too extreme."
"Nothing's free. Giving free stuff means the hard-working people's taxes are going to pay for the free stuff," Braud said. "There's nothing free. It never works out. It might be a good selling campaign pitch, but I don't think it's the right thing."
Braue said he couldn't understand why members of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, a union supporting hospitality workers, were across the street cheering for Mamdani. Ahead of the debate, the New York City Police Department designated three respective pens for supporters to gather.
From left to right, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participate in a mayoral debate, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York City. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, Pool)
While acknowledging that Cuomo is a "great politician" with great ideas, Francisco said, "Cuomo was the past, Zohran is the present and the future of New York City."
Jim Golden, a 67-year-old New Yorker, agreed that "it's time for a change, simple as that."
"We've screwed up this city enough, and it's time to let some other people try and fix it. It's a mess," he said.
Mamdani, Cuomo and Sliwa all greeted their supporters ahead of the debate on Thursday night, with Mamdani sparking the most raucous commotion as he marched through the gaggle of reporters and glad-handed his supporters who were lined up along the police barricade.
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Thursday's mayoral debate was hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC and Telemundo 47/WNJU, in partnership with POLITICO. Election Day is Nov. 4 in New York City in the race to replace Mayor Eric Adams, who suspended his re-election campaign last month.
Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/time-change-outside-30-rock-new-yorkers-trade-chants-arguments-during-tense-mayoral-showdown