Race for New York City mayor | Live updates

Zohran Mamdani says he won't participate in any debates in the New York City mayor's race except for two official debates next month that were organized by the local campaign finance board.

In a video Wednesday, Mamdani said he'll skip "unofficial" debates that pop up, but that his rival candidates can fight it out between themselves.

He added that he would instead bring "town halls directly to New Yorkers struggling to afford their city."

The decision came as rival candidates have intensified their criticism of Mamdani, a democratic socialist, over his platform and past statements ahead of the city's general election in November.

Mamdani said he will attend mayoral debates on Oct. 16 and Oct. 22 that were announced by New York City Campaign Finance Board.

Zohran Mamdani will appear at a "Fighting Oligarchy" town hall with Bernie Sanders Saturday night at Brooklyn College.

Sanders endorsed Mamdani in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.

"It is an honor to welcome Senator Sanders to New York City as we fight against the corporate greed, billionaires, and corrupt politicians responsible for the affordability crisis. While oligarchs and Donald Trump try to place their thumb on the scale of this election, we're laser-focused on the New Yorkers who built this city, call it home, and deserve a leader who will deliver dignity for all," Mamdani said.

"At a time of massive and growing income and wealth inequality, we are building a strong grassroots movement to take on the billionaire class and corporate greed," said Sen. Sanders. "The oligarchs are prepared to undermine democracy and spend tens of millions of dollars to buy elections. But candidates who stand boldly with the working class can - and will - beat them. When we stand together we can defeat authoritarianism and create an economy that works for all our people, not just the privileged few."

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson confirmed Wednesday that she endorsed Zohran Mamdani, along with the rest of the Bronx Democratic County Committee.

"A scheduling conflict kept the Borough President from joining yesterday's Mayoral endorsement press conference, but she wants to clear up any confusion-she stands with the Bronx Democratic County Committee in supporting Zohran Mamdani as the Democratic Nominee for Mayor."

The finish line in the race for New York City mayor is inching closer as Election Day is just two months out.

A rash of violent incidents in the Bronx and the violence that followed Monday's New York Carnival Parade have put the spotlight on crime and safety.

Both Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo have similar philosophies in reducing crime, but while Cuomo wants to hire more officers, Mamdani says there are enough officers to do the job.

It comes as Mamdani received a big endorsement Tuesday from Bronx Democrats. He is hoping to succeed where he failed in the primary -- winning a majority of votes in the Bronx.