Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
No One Understands Why The Next Mayoral Debate Is Set To Be Virtual
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published May 19, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Shutterstock
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published May 19, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
New York City is nearly fully reopened, but the second televised mayoral debate on June 2nd between Democratic candidates is currently still set to be held on Zoom.
Matt Sollars, a spokesman for the New York City Campaign Finance Board, which administers the debates, explained that the decision was made in accordance with health restrictions that are in place at WABC-TV, which is hosting the event.
But on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo lifted most restrictions on businesses, allowing them to operate at 100% capacity in most cases as long as social distancing is maintained. Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks indoors or outdoors.
The status of the debate, which Bloomberg first reported as being virtual on Monday, has drawn heavy criticism from nearly all the candidates.
On Twitter, Maya Wiley pointed out that New Yorkers can now attend a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, go to the movies, "but we can't fit 8 candidates in a TV studio? Give me a break."
The campaigns for Eric Adams, Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, Ray McGuire and Andrew Yang also issued calls for the debate to be in person.
During his press briefing, Mayor Bill de Blasio was asked whether the mayoral candidates should debate on the city's open streets, an idea proposed by Streetsblog.
"I kinda like it," the mayor replied.
The first televised debate, which was hosted by NY1, Gothamist/WNYC, and The CITY, was held virtually last week. Since then, the number of new coronavirus cases has been steadily dropping. More than 3 million city residents have now been fully vaccinated, according to the city's Department of Health. At the end of March, 77 WABC radio hosted the first Republican mayoral debate in person. However, that event featured only two candidates, Curtis Sliwa and Fernando Mateo.
It is unclear whether organizers may reverse course in light of the changing risks as well as the new state health guidance.
WABC could not be reached for comment.
Tagged
election 2021
debate
mayoral candidates
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Retired NYPD detective charged with murder in George Washington Bridge shooting
Police say a Rockland County man was fatally shot during what appeared to be a road rage incident on Tuesday night.
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 4:26 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 21, 2026 at 5:43 p.m. ET
NYPD officer faces disciplinary trial 10 years after killing Delrawn Small
Officer Wayne Isaacs will go on trial in January on a charge that he used improper force when he shot and killed Delrawn Small in East New York in July 2016.
By
Ben Feuerherd
News
NYPD officer faces disciplinary trial 10 years after killing Delrawn Small
Officer Wayne Isaacs will go on trial in January on a charge that he used improper force when he shot and killed Delrawn Small in East New York in July 2016.
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYC adult daycare operators charged with committing over $500K in Medicaid fraud
By
Caroline Lewis
Port Authority eyes $117M fix to Manhattan roadway where falling debris smashed cars
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Bronx couple starved their 3-year-old to death, indictment says
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .