Candidates running for the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City faced off for the first time on the debate stage just ahead of the start of early voting next week.

Nine candidates answered questions during a chaotic two-hour debate in which they often took aim at each other, particularly the front-runner, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The candidates often dodged direct answers to moderators’ questions and instead jostled with each other.

Here are five takeaways from the night:

Knives out for Cuomo

From the first question of the night, candidates took shots at Cuomo, who has been the clear leader in the race since before he even entered in March.

Attacks on Cuomo most commonly came from state Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who has risen over the past several weeks to become the top opponent to Cuomo, and city Comptroller Brad Lander, who has been part of the higher tier of candidates.

Both candidates took an opportunity to go after Cuomo in the first response about actions they would take to increase affordability. Lander tied together embattled Mayor Eric Adams and Cuomo, arguing that he’s the only candidate who can “sweep away the corruption.”

Mamdani accused Cuomo of caring more about billionaires and corporations than New Yorkers, also later reiterating past attacks he’s made accusing Cuomo of being funded by donors to President Trump. Some of the donors to a super PAC backing Cuomo have also donated to Trump.

Cuomo was in the hot seat on several other occasions, such as when City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams accused him of cutting Medicaid and former state Assembly member........

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