With early voting in the Democratic primary less than two weeks away, nine candidates squared off on the debate stage for the very first time Wednesday evening.

“Donald Trump would go through Mamdani like a hot knife with butter,” former Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

“It’s true, I don’t have experience with corrupt Trump billionaires who are funding my campaign,” Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani said.

The mayoral hopefuls were asked about a range of issues.

However, several candidates wasted no time going after the man who’s remained at the top of the polls.

“Luxury developers that fund Andrew Cuomo’s campaign,” former City Comptroller Scott Stringer said.

“The people who don’t feel safe are the young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo,” former Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake said.

“No regrets when it comes to slow walking, PPE and vaccinations,” City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said.  

There were tense moments as Cuomo was grilled on his record as former governor and the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation.

“I said at that time if I offended anyone, it was unintentional. But I apologize and I say that today,” Cuomo said.

Hosted by WNBC 4, Telemundo 47 and POLITICO, the two-hour debate covered a range of pressing topics for New Yorkers. The Democrats were grilled on how, as mayor, they’d respond to the policies of President Donald Trump.

“We should be ready to withhold our federal taxes when Trump unlawfully takes away funding from the things that we need. We have to play chess,” Queens state Sen. Jessica Ramos said.

“I will stand up to Donald Trump. I will make sure that we’ve got a budget that’s ready when they come for our Medicaid,” City Comptroller Brad Lander said.  

Several public safety issues were also debates, including shoplifting, transit crime and NYPD staffing levels.

“I’m fully supportive of increased police presence in the MTA. In fact, transit crime is down this year,” political newcomer Whitney Tilson said.

“In my department of community safety, we are going to put together dedicated teams of mental health,” Mamdani said.  

The candidates also shared their views on immigration enforcement and undocumented New Yorkers.

“We create protections by designed hospitals, schools, communities, places of worship as safe havens where [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is not permitted,” Blake said.

“It is not just the mayor. Every New York City employee needs to understand the sanctuary city law,” Lander said.  

Early voting for the primary starts Saturday, June 14.

NY1 will host a mayoral debate with the leading Democratic contenders on Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m.