SNL Skewers NYC Mayoral Candidates in Mock Debate
On Saturday, “Saturday Night Live” took aim at the New York City mayoral race with a comedic debate featuring three candidates.
Comedian Ramy Youssef portrayed Zoran Mamdani, who is considered the leading contender. Shane Gillis played Curtis Sliwa, while actor Miles Teller took on the role of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Kenan Thompson moderated the debate as NY1’s Errol Lewis.
Cuomo kicked things off with, “You all know me. I’ve been through this coronavirus, yada yada yada, honk honk, you get it. I’m back. I’m a born-and-bred New Yorker. I love it here. I know this city like it’s on a woman’s back—Mamma Mia!”
Cuomo, who resigned from his position in 2021 amid various scandals, has faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment and scrutiny over his handling of the pandemic. These include claims that his administration misreported COVID-related deaths in nursing homes.
Youssef, channeling Mamdani, humorously expressed delight at being there, eager to hear his opponent mispronounce his name “in ways you can’t even imagine.”
Gillis added a lighthearted jab of his own: “I’m excited to be here—at least I won’t get shot five times in the back of a yellow cab like those infamous incidents from the ‘90s.”
Thompson proceeded to ask the candidates what motivated them to run for mayor. Mamdani’s response was characteristically witty: “As mayor, I want to ensure a better New York, with free health care, affordable housing, and free Wi-Fi. Will I achieve that? I’m not sure yet. But honestly, we might discover together that the answer is no.”
James Austin Johnson, in a surprise turn, showed up during the debate as President Donald Trump.
Amusingly commenting on the candidates, Johnson remarked, “They might pretend this election is about housing and taxes, but let’s be real—it’s about me, right? Because I plan to be heavily involved.”
He even joked about Sliwa’s signature hat before addressing Mamdani directly, quipping, “Guys, he’s too young to lead. I mean, he doesn’t even have that unsteady gait! Seriously though, I recently took a cognitive test, and the results? Very good. So, of course, I went for an MRI right afterward.”
