Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa sparred during the last debate ahead of election day next week. For 60 minutes on Wednesday, the candidates sought to convince voters they have what it takes to lead the city.

For the most part, both candidates stuck to their positions and criticisms of each other while covering a wide range of topics ranging from public safety to bike lanes, the economy, housing and homelessness and a soon to take effect vaccine mandate for city workers.

What You Need To Know

  • For the most part, both candidates stuck to their positions and criticisms of each other

  • They covered a wide range of topics ranging from public safety to bike lanes, the economy, housing and homelessness and a soon to take effect vaccine mandate for city workers

  • Sliwa is facing an uphill climb in the race given the wide advantage Democrats have in the city

Sliwa, who joined city worker protests against vaccine mandates this week said he disagreed with Mayor Bill de Blasio's approach, specifically he was critical of a policy that punishes workers by making them go on unpaid leave should they fail to provide proof of vaccination.

"People are going to lose their jobs, their income. When I'm mayor, I'll hire them back, give them their full pay," Sliwa said.

Adams said he believes mandates are needed in order to prevent more infections from the virus, which he says would slow down the city's recovery, but he disagreed with de Blasio's roll out.

"He's what I would have done that the mayor has not done, I would have communicated with the unions," Adams said. 

Sliwa is facing an uphill climb in the race given the wide advantage Democrats have in the city. He tried to connect his opponent to the current mayor, often referring to de Blasio as Adams' "partner."

At times, Sliwa physically turned towards Adams and remained on the attack while Adams kept his glance trained on the camera, never once turning to acknowledge his opponent. 

At one point, things got personal with Adams claiming Sliwa failed to make child support payments.

"He hid money so he would not have to pay his child support," Adams said. 

That prompted a stern response from Sliwa who criticized him for bringing up his family. 

"That is scurrilous that you would say that, I pay every penny of my child support for my three sons Anthony, Carter and Hunter," Sliwa said. "How dare you bring my family into this. I haven't at all brought your family into all your problems.

Over and over throughout the debate, Adams dismissed Sliwa as a non-serious candidate who lacks policy proposals to deal with problems in the city.

"I think New Yorkers are seeing the example of the clown-like actions. Listen, we're not his circus New Yorkers," Adams said.