Leading New York City is the “second toughest job in America,” as former Mayor John Lindsay famously said — yet Eric Adams is not alone in wanting the gig. A crowded field of candidates want to capitalize on the scandal-plagued incumbent mayor’s rock-bottom popularity and make the move to Gracie Mansion.

The first New York City Democratic mayoral primary debate will be held Wednesday night, with nine candidates squaring off for the first time. There are some recognizable names among those who will be participating,

Two main targets emerged by the end of the two-hour New York City mayoral debate: Frontrunner Andrew Cuomo and Donald Trump. Cuomo’s eight opponents — desperate to cut into his consistent polling advantage — attacked him throughout Wednesday night by seizing on the controversies that preceded his fall from power four years ago: Allegations of sexual harassment and a Covid record that’s reportedly under federal investigation.