By Fenix Suriel | Photos by Fenix Suriel

Four candidates meet in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights. 

Former Prosecutor Jim Walden speaking to the audience at the forum “All Faiths, All Candidates.” 

New York, NY- The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights hosted a mayoral candidate forum on Thursday, bringing together four mayoral hopefuls to discuss issues facing New York City through the lens of community and faith.

The forum featured various discussions on immigration, protections for freedom of religious expression, and the city’s relationship with the Trump administration. Candidates also discussed interfaith dialogue and collaboration and emphasized the importance of standing firm while addressing tension with federal powers.

All mayoral candidates were invited, but only four attended. 

Independent Jim Walden, Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Democrat Michael Blake, and Democrat Scott Stringer.

The night began with all candidates giving an opening statement with a prompt explaining why they were running. “We have to win this election and stop Donald Trump,” said former New York City Comptroller Stringer, who left soon after his opening statement. 

The stage was then set for the three remaining candidates. New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani advocated for funding for legal representation for immigrants, a sentiment shared by former New York State Assemblymember Michael Blake, who said if elected, he plans to increase lawyer representation for immigrants. “We will stay a sanctuary city,” said Blake. 

The spike in hate crimes across the city was another topic discussed. Hate crimes were up 12.6% in 2023, according to NYPD reports. Aggressive prosecution and rehabilitation are the keys, said former federal prosecutor Jim Walden, who promised to invest in contracting more city prosecutors. 

Former New York State Assemblymember Michael Blake. Photo by Fenix Suriel.

Walden also vowed to stand his ground when confronting Washington despite any fear of monetary retaliation from the Federal government through funding cuts. Federal funding makes up 8.3% of New York City’s operating budget for the year 2025.

The Mayor’s relationship with Washington and Donald Trump concerns voters, who fear Trump may use his power to decline the city’s future capital.

Veteran journalist and author Ray Suarez moderated the event, which was sponsored by a coalition of faith-based organizations: Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC, The Episcopal Diocese of New York, The Riverside Church, The Jewish Theological Seminary—JTS, Union Theological Seminary, Hindus for Human Rights-USA, and Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, known for its commitment to social justice and community engagement, provided a fitting backdrop for the forum. As one of the largest cathedrals in the city, it has long served as a space for discussions on matters of public concern.

Though primary election day is June 24, early voting is set to begin on June 14.

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