WABC lands first GOP mayoral debate between Curtis Sliwa and Fernando Mateo

The top two GOP candidates for Mayor of New York City will square off Wednesday in the first Republican Mayoral Primary Debate, hosted by 77 WABC Radio, Page Six has exclusively learned.

The face-off between Fernando Mateo and Curtis Sliwa will be moderated by radio veteran Dominic Carter, longtime journalist and New York City native.

WABC owner John Catsimaitidis has run for mayor in the past but recently announced he wouldn’t be part of their year’s race — but will be hosting the debate instead.

Topics will include crime, police, the economy, and recovery from COVID-19. 

“New York City is in the worst shape in modern history and this debate will be hosted with no holds barred, as these two candidates square off and take their case to the voters for the first time,” said Catsimatidis. 

“New York City needs leadership now more than ever, and these candidates will make their case for why they are the best to serve as Mayor, in an unbiased setting.”

It’ll be live-streamed from Studio 77 on Facebook, Youtube, and WABCRadio.com/MayoralRace, and also live on 77 WABC Radio, on Wednesday, March 31, at 4 p.m.

Other Republicans running in the 2021 race include Adam Oremland, Abbey Laurel-Smith, Bill Pepitone and Sara Tirschwell.

On the Democrat said are Eric Adams, Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, Raymond McGuire, Dianne Morales, Scott Stringer, Maya Wiley and Andrew Yang.