Mamdani focuses on official debates and community events after facing criticism from rivals; he emphasizes a grassroots campaign to reduce living costs in New York City.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, said he will skip unofficial debates but participate in two official debates organized by the local campaign finance board in October.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker, is running on a platform of lowering the cost of living in the city but has faced questions about his lack of management experience and past criticism of law enforcement.
Instead of unofficial debates, Mamdani said he will hold town halls directly with struggling New Yorkers, including one with Sen. Bernie Sanders, who endorsed him before the primary.