As New York City gears up for its 2025 mayoral election on November 4, the first general election debate brought together three prominent candidates, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa, for a televised face-off that promises to set the tone for the campaign season.

But as much as viewers tune in for the political fireworks, the moderators guiding the discussion play an equally pivotal role. This year’s panel of moderators, drawn from NBC 4 New York, Telemundo, and Politico, reflects a blend of experience, diversity, and journalistic integrity.

Let’s meet the four journalists who will steer one of the city’s most anticipated debates.

Who Are the Moderators for the 2025 NYC Mayoral Debate?

The debate will be moderated by David Ushery and Melissa Russo of WNBC-TV (NBC 4 New York), Rosarina Bretón of Telemundo 47, and Sally Goldenberg of Politico New York.

They will preside over the first of two scheduled debates, held ahead of the November election. A second debate, moderated by a different panel, is slated for October 22.

David Ushery: NBC Veteran with a Deep NYC Legacy

At 58, David Ushery is one of New York’s most recognizable news anchors and a trusted voice for local audiences. A Connecticut native, Ushery has spent more than two decades covering pivotal moments in the city’s modern history, from 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He earned the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award in 2021 for NBC 4’s pandemic coverage and has previously moderated debates for New York governor, comptroller, and mayoral races, including the memorable 1997 showdown between Rudy Giuliani and Ruth Messinger.

Ushery is known for his calm demeanor, sharp questioning, and ability to press candidates without overshadowing them, qualities that have made him a go-to moderator for high-stakes political events.

Melissa Russo: Political Insider and Government Watchdog

Melissa Russo, 56, brings over three decades of political reporting experience to the debate stage. As NBC 4’s political and government affairs reporter, she has covered five New York City mayors, chronicling the city’s evolving political landscape from the Giuliani era through the current administration.

Russo is known for her probing interviews with political heavyweights such as Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Michael Bloomberg. Her recent reporting has zeroed in on pressing urban issues, from New York’s migrant crisis and family court dysfunction to the city’s homelessness epidemic.

Her track record of holding leaders accountable has earned her both industry respect and audience trust, qualities essential for keeping candidates on their toes.

Rosarina Bretón: Telemundo Anchor Bridging Communities

Representing Telemundo 47, Rosarina Bretón brings a bilingual and bicultural perspective to the debate stage, a crucial voice in a city where more than 2 million residents speak Spanish at home.

Since joining Telemundo in 2018, Bretón has reported on breaking news across the five boroughs and interviewed Governor Kathy Hochul on key issues including immigration, congestion pricing, and New York’s state budget.

Before Telemundo, she spent nearly a decade at NY1 Noticias, where she earned recognition for coverage that resonated deeply with New York’s Latino communities.

Bretón’s presence ensures the debate addresses the perspectives of immigrant and working-class New Yorkers often left out of the political mainstream.

Sally Goldenberg: Politico’s Political Architect

Sally Goldenberg, 44, rounds out the panel as Politico New York’s senior politics editor, a journalist whose bylines have shaped how readers understand the city’s political machinery.

Since joining Politico in 2013, Goldenberg has covered Bill de Blasio’s administration, labor negotiations, housing policy, and the city’s complex economic development deals. Before Politico, she worked for The New York Post, The Staten Island Advance, and The Star-Ledger, giving her a panoramic view of regional politics.

Goldenberg’s sharp policy insight and deep sources within City Hall make her uniquely equipped to cut through campaign rhetoric and push candidates to clarify their stances on issues that directly affect New Yorkers.

Why Moderator Diversity Matters in NYC Politics

In a city as diverse as New York, the moderator lineup is more than symbolic, it’s a reflection of the electorate itself. Having journalists from English and Spanish-language outlets ensures that debates are framed with a wider lens, bringing in perspectives from communities often underrepresented in mainstream coverage.

Moreover, the collaboration between local TV journalists and political analysts mirrors how New Yorkers consume information, through a mix of nightly news, digital platforms, and community-focused media.

What’s Next for the NYC Mayoral Debates?

The first debate, moderated by Ushery, Russo, Bretón, and Goldenberg, marks the official start of the city’s general election season.

A second debate, with a different moderator team, is scheduled for October 22, giving voters two opportunities to evaluate the candidates’ policies and temperaments before heading to the polls.

Given the mix of candidates, Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman; Cuomo, a former governor attempting a political comeback; and Sliwa, the conservative activist and Guardian Angels founder, the debates are expected to be contentious, high-stakes, and closely watched.

TL;DR

Four respected journalists, David Ushery, Melissa Russo, Rosarina Bretón, and Sally Goldenberg, will moderate the first 2025 NYC mayoral debate featuring Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa.
Their combined experience across local TV, Spanish-language news, and political reporting ensures a balanced, informed discussion ahead of the November 4 election.