Zohran Mamdani withdraws from ABC town hall over Kimmel suspension

Democratic mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani pulled out of an ABC town hall on Monday, saying the network's decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel prompted his move. "I am withdrawing not as an indictment of the local affiliate or the hardworking journalists there, but rather in response to the corporate leaders who have put their bottom line ahead of their responsibility and upholding the freedom of the press," Mamdani said at a news conference.

Kimmel's show was pulled from ABC after a monologue in the wake of Charlie Kirk's comments about the alleged assassin, with the suspension announced last week, according to the campaign and network statements. Mamdani’s decision comes as the socialist candidate and frontrunner in the mayoral race faces growing scrutiny for avoiding public debates with his opponents. Mamdani is slated to participate in two official general election debates — hosted by WNBC and NY1 in October — but has rejected broader debate formats with independent candidate former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Mamdani said the decision to pull the town hall was a protest against ABC’s corporate leadership, which he argued prioritized profits over the assurance of a free press. His campaign spokesperson, Dora Pekic, said Mamdani plans to reschedule the town hall on another station, calling the ABC decision a political statement rather than a substantive response to coverage concerns.

The candidate has faced prior political controversy, including a 2023 push as a New York State Assembly member to cancel a speaking engagement by Charlie Kirk in New York City, arguing Kirk and his platform were extremist. A joint letter signed by progressive politicians at the time characterized Kirk’s platform as antithetical to inclusivity and urged broadcasters to avoid amplifying such views. The letter and related actions have contributed to ongoing debates over access to and control of political platforms in the city.

In the broader race, the November 4 election features Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent after skipping the June Democratic primary. Mamdani won the June ranked-choice primary over several contenders, positioning him as a leading challenger as the campaign moves into October debates and the closing weeks of the race.

The ABC suspension saga and Mamdani’s withdrawal add another chapter to the city’s mayoral campaign, as voters weigh candidates’ records, platforms and willingness to engage in public forums ahead of Election Day.