The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) has announced the media partners and schedule for the official 2025 citywide debates, set to begin in June. These debates will feature candidates for mayor, comptroller, and public advocate, providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.
WNBC, NY1, and PIX11 will broadcast the debates, which will be available on free online platforms in both English and Spanish. The debates aim to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to these critical discussions ahead of the primary election on June 24, 2025.
The debates are a key component of the city’s public Matching Funds Program. Candidates who participate in this program must meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, candidates must be on the ballot and meet certain fundraising goals or achieve a specific percentage in voter preference polls. If only one candidate qualifies for a debate, that debate will not take place.
The primary debates will begin in late May with the Republican Primary debates for mayor and comptroller. These will be followed by Democratic Primary debates for the same offices, as well as public advocate debates. The debates will continue into June with the leading contender debates, featuring top candidates from each party.
These debates offer transparency and facilitate direct engagement between candidates and voters. They are an essential part of New York City’s electoral process and will provide voters with a clearer understanding of the candidates and their positions as they head to the polls this summer.
Primary Debate Schedule:
- Mayoral – 1st Republican Primary Election Debate (NY1)
Friday, May 30, 2025, 7pm - Comptroller – 1st Republican Primary Election Debate (PIX11)
Monday, June 2, 2025, 7pm - Comptroller – 1st Democratic Primary Election Debate (PIX11)
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 7pm - Mayoral – 1st Democratic Primary Election Debate (WNBC)
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 7pm - Public Advocate – 1st Republican Primary Election Debate (PIX11)
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 7pm - Public Advocate – 1st Democratic Primary Election Debate (PIX11)
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 7pm - Mayoral – Leading Contender Republican Primary Election Debate (PIX11)
Friday, June 6, 2025, 7pm - Comptroller – Leading Contender Democratic Primary Election Debate (NY1)
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 7pm - Mayoral – Leading Contender Democratic Primary Election Debate (NY1)
Thursday, June 12, 2025, 7pm - Comptroller – Leading Contender Republican Primary Election Debate (NY1)
Friday, June 13, 2025, 7pm - Public Advocate – Leading Contender Democratic & Republican Primary Election Debates (WNBC)
Saturday, June 14, 2025 / Sunday, June 15, 2025, Final Date and Time To Be Announced
Debate Participation Criteria:
- Mayoral Debate:
Candidates must raise and spend $198,300. - Comptroller Debate:
Candidates must raise and spend $123,975. - Public Advocate Debate:
Candidates must raise and spend $123,975. - Leading Contender Mayoral Debate:
Candidates must raise and spend $2,379,600 or raise $250,000 in matchable contributions with at least 1,000 matchable donations, or achieve at least 5% in specific voter preference polls. - Leading Contender Public Advocate & Comptroller Debates:
Candidates must raise and spend $1,487,700 or raise $125,000 in matchable contributions with at least 500 matchable donations.
