NEW YORK (AP) — Anticipation builds as New York City prepares for its inaugural mayoral debate on Thursday. Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa are eager to slow down the progress of Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, who already triumphed over the once-dominant former governor Cuomo during this summer’s primary.

For Cuomo, now running on an independent ticket, this debate represents a crucial opportunity to shift voter allegiance in his favor and argue against Mamdani’s leadership. This political race marks Cuomo’s attempt to re-enter the political arena after stepping down from his gubernatorial role four years ago amid serious sexual harassment allegations. While he denies any misconduct, the scandal and other controversies from his time in office have continuously shadowed him.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old advocate of democratic socialism, finds himself in a relatively strong position. However, he must withstand two hours of sharp criticism from Cuomo while maintaining the optimistic and charismatic approach that has become the hallmark of his campaign.

On the other hand, Sliwa, the vibrant founder of the Guardian Angels, is eyeing a significant upset in this predominantly Democratic city. In his previous mayoral bid as the Republican candidate, Sliwa garnered nearly 30% of the vote. This time, he hopes that a divided Democratic electorate will enable him to galvanize both Republican loyalists and centrist voters to secure victory.

This heated race has launched Mamdani into the national spotlight, with Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, attempting to paint him as emblematic of the Democratic Party’s extremes. They have spotlighted his past controversial remarks and positions, labeling him as a dangerous figure, a communist, and an antisemite.

The race has catapulted Mamdani to national political stardom, with Republicans, including President Donald Trump, trying to turn him into the face of the Democratic Party by highlighting his most controversial past comments and positions and casting him as dangerous, a communist, and an antisemite.

Trump has threatened to arrest Mamdani, to deport him and even to take over the city if he wins. Mamdani is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Mamdani has tried to distance himself from some of his past statements, including calling the New York Police Department “a major threat to public safety,” and his refusal, during the Democratic primary, to disavow use of the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which is seen as a call to violence for many Jews.

Mamdani’s brand of economic populism — a laser focus on lowering the city’s astronomical cost of living through the idea that government should do more to help the lower and middle classes instead of the wealthy — has generated buzz and excitement.

At the same time, the state assemblyman’s calls to raise taxes on the wealthy and intense criticisms of the Israeli government’s military actions in Gaza have unnerved some centrists and conservatives. That’s where Cuomo’s rebooted campaign sees its path to victory.

The former governor has painted Mamdani as a potentially dangerous leader who would lead the city into financial and social ruin, while casting himself as a competent manager who can handle the city’s expansive bureaucracy and finances.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, suspended his reelection campaign late last month, after being deeply wounded by a now-dismissed federal corruption case and his relationship with the Trump administration.

A poll of New York City likely voters conducted by Quinnipiac University in early October, after Adams ended his bid for a second term, found that Mamdani continued to hold a lead over Cuomo. The poll suggested that Cuomo may have benefited somewhat from Adams’ departure, but the current mayor’s exit did not appear to have a meaningful impact on the state of the race.

Adams was not included in the poll but remains on the November ballot because he didn’t withdraw his candidacy before a balloting deadline.

The candidates are scheduled to meet for a second and final debate next week.