Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani on Thursday challenged President Donald Trump to a televised debate, escalating tensions in a crowded race already marked by sharp clashes, the New York Post reported. 

“Let’s cut out the middle man,” Mamdani told The Post. “Why should I debate Donald Trump’s puppet when I could debate Donald Trump himself?”

The Democratic Socialist lawmaker defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the June primary but faces him again in November’s general election. Cuomo earlier called for five debates, one in each borough, accusing Mamdani of avoiding scrutiny. Mamdani said he will only take part in the two debates scheduled by the city’s Campaign Finance Board.

Mamdani accused Trump of meddling in the race, citing private conversations and the president’s criticism of his platform.

“If Donald Trump is serious about intervening in the mayoral race, he should come to New York City and debate me directly,” Mamdani said.

Read more at the New York Post.