NYC Mayoral Debate: Mamdani Dismisses City Traditions, Refuses to Attend “Many Parades” If Elected

If you managed to skip New York City’s final mayoral debate — congratulations. You made the right choice.

For those who didn’t, the evening was a train wreck. The lineup featured Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and overwhelming favorite; Andrew Cuomo, the scandal-stained former governor trying to stage a political comeback; and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican activist and radio host best known for founding the Guardian Angels.

The debate was supposed to be about New York’s future — crime, homelessness, the crumbling economy. Instead, it turned into a spectacle of gaffes and hollow posturing.

A Parade of Missteps

Sliwa, who lacks any real governing experience, set the tone with an embarrassing blunder, naming former New York Gov. George Pataki as his “favorite president.” When reminded Pataki never served as president, Sliwa sheepishly corrected himself to Ronald Reagan — a moment that at least drew a few laughs.

Cuomo, ever the political bruiser, tried to project toughness by claiming he could stop President Donald Trump from sending in the National Guard to restore order in the city. Sliwa fired back, “You think you’re the toughest guy alive. You lost your own primary.” Even Mamdani laughed at that one.

But Mamdani’s “planned” moment may have been the most revealing — and the most alarming — for New Yorkers who care about their city’s traditions.

Mamdani’s Parade Problem

The moderators asked each candidate whether they would boycott any of New York’s famous parades — events that celebrate the city’s diversity, patriotism, and community spirit.

Cuomo and Sliwa both said they would attend whenever possible. Mamdani? Not so much.

“There are many parades that I would not be attending, because I would be focusing on the work of leading this city,” Mamdani said.

When pressed by Sliwa — “Which parades?” — Mamdani dodged:

“I’ve already missed a number of those parades.”

“Can you tell us?”

“I don’t have the list of all the parades I’ve missed,” Mamdani replied.

The answer was as weak as it was telling.

Mamdani didn’t name a single event. Yet his record speaks for itself — he’s already skipped multiple community celebrations, including ones honoring New York’s Jewish and Italian-American communities.

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A Revealing Moment

Let’s not kid ourselves. The “question about parades” wasn’t just about scheduling — it was about values.

New York’s mayors have always embraced civic celebrations as part of their duty to represent every New Yorker. From Israel Day to Columbus Day, these events symbolize unity, tradition, and shared pride in the city’s heritage.

By announcing he would skip “many parades,” Mamdani effectively told millions of New Yorkers that their traditions don’t matter.

This isn’t leadership. It’s contempt disguised as principle.

Mamdani has built his political brand by attacking the Judeo-Christian roots of Western civilization and aligning with radical anti-Israel activists. Now, when given a chance to reassure voters he could lead all New Yorkers — not just his ideological allies — he doubled down.

When a politician shows you who he is, believe him. Zohran Mamdani is not just uninterested in uniting New York — he’s actively rejecting what it stands for.