9 października 2025
The Stage is Set
When it comes to choosing the city’s next leaders, nothing gives voters a closer look than the official debates. Before you cast your ballot for Mayor, City Council, and more, this is your chance to gain a deeper understanding of the candidates and the issues.
Through the official debates, the public has a unique opportunity to see the candidates in real time, answering questions from moderators on key issues like housing, transportation, and public safety. During an important election, these debates create space for open dialogue between candidates and voters, allowing viewers to get to the heart of the issues that matter to their block.
You can get ready to cast your vote by tuning into the official NYC Mayoral Debates on October 16 and 22nd!
Candidates Serve You
The debates put candidates directly in front of the voters they hope to serve. You can cut through the noise of a busy election season by tuning in and hearing about their positions in real time - under the bright lights of live television. By ensuring candidates face the voters, debates help hold candidates accountable to everyday New Yorkers.
Didn’t We Just Have Debates?
Earlier this year, primary debates featured Democratic candidates competing for their party’s nomination. During October’s debates, you’ll see candidates competing on the General Election ballot .
The debates are a rare opportunity to see every candidate side by side, giving voters a clear view of all their choices in one place. Unlike the primary, the general election does not use Ranked Choice Voting. Instead, the candidate with the most votes wins.
You can cast your vote for any one of these candidates, but it’s understandable if you’re not sure where they stand. The debates are a great place to get more information straight from the candidates themselves.
Who Participates?
Candidates receiving public funds through the city’s Matching Funds Program must participate in the debates if they meet certain requirements. To qualify for the first mayoral debate, a candidate must be on the ballot and raise at least $198,300 by October 3, 2025. A second round of debates, known as the “Leading Contenders” debates, requires fundraising through small contributions that are eligible for matching funds.
- The NYC Campaign Finance Board, the agency that leads the NYC Votes initiative, oversees both the Matching Funds Program and the debates to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Local media outlets host the debates, determining the format, selecting moderators, and deciding whether to feature a live audience.
Anyone Can Watch
The debates are free to watch and widely available. They will be streamed on YouTube and our media sponsors’ websites — no subscription required. You can also tune in to simulcasts in Spanish, and each debate will include on-screen ASL interpretation. Full recordings will remain available for on-demand viewing.
Oglądaj debaty
Make It a Community Event
You can watch with friends, join a local watch party, or even make it a fun group activity with our debates bingo and guided discussions. Local organizations across the city will partner with NYC Votes to host watch parties, and toolkits are available to help groups lead conversations.
Debates Watch Party
Shape the Conversation
Your vote will help decide who leads New York City. The debates are your best chance to see how candidates handle tough questions on the spot and then compare their answers side by side.
Debates are a cornerstone of democracy, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions when it matters. By watching, learning, and engaging, you can take an active role in shaping the future of your city.