NEW YORK (AP) — New York Mayor Eric Adams launched his independent reelection bid on Thursday, seeking to convince voters to grant him a second term amid political turbulence. This move comes after a corruption indictment, a controversial dismissal, and his decision to withdraw from the Democratic primary.
Standing on the steps of City Hall, Adams highlighted his political accomplishments while taking aim at Zohran Mamdani, the anticipated Democratic nominee. He portrayed Mamdani as a privileged newcomer lacking substantial political achievements or realistic policies.
“This election is a choice between a candidate with a blue collar and one with a silver spoon,” Adams declared. “A choice between dirty fingernails and manicured nails.”
Mamdani’s Meteoric Rise
Just two days earlier, Mamdani, a progressive force, claimed a surprising victory in the Democratic primary over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was once considered the frontrunner despite a sexual harassment scandal that led to his resignation four years ago.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist in his third term in the state Assembly, was relatively unknown until recently. His campaign, characterized by viral social media content, has gained significant traction with its focus on tackling the city’s soaring cost of living.
Despite his rapid rise, Mamdani faces criticism for his previous remarks on law enforcement, a limited legislative record, and ambitious campaign promises.
Adams’ Independent Path
Adams, despite his political challenges, seems eager for a general election face-off with Mamdani, viewing it as a potential path to reelection against the less experienced progressive.
“I’m not interested in Twitter politics, I’m interested in getting the trash picked up,” Adams told supporters, taking a jab at Mamdani. “I’m not interested in slogans, I’m interested in solutions.”
Adams, who remains a registered Democrat, exited the primary to run as an independent in April. This decision followed a federal judge’s dismissal of the corruption case against him at the behest of President Donald Trump’s Justice Department. Adams argued that the legal proceedings had hindered his campaign efforts, and he has largely refrained from campaigning since.
As the primary results came in, showing Mamdani in a strong position, Adams emphasized his independent candidacy on social media, stating, “the fight for New York’s future begins tonight.”
Challenges and Opportunities
The final results will be confirmed after the city’s ranked choice vote-counting resumes on July 1. The winner will face other candidates in the November election, including Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime group.
Adams, 64, a retired police captain who became a state senator and Brooklyn’s borough president, positions himself as a champion of working-class New Yorkers, public safety, and what he calls “swagger” — a drive that propelled him from a house-cleaner’s son to the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city.
Mamdani, the son of an award-winning filmmaker and an anthropology professor at Columbia University, graduated from a private liberal arts college, worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor, and dabbled in music before his election to the New York Assembly in 2020.
In a statement, Mamdani said, “New Yorkers have been suffocated by a cost of living crisis and this Mayor has taken almost every opportunity to exacerbate it, all while partnering with Donald Trump to tear our city apart.”
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Democratic nominees typically have a strong advantage in New York City, where about two-thirds of registered voters are Democrats. However, New Yorkers elected an unaffiliated mayor as recently as 2009, when Mike Bloomberg won a third term after leaving the Republican Party.
The critical question for Adams is whether he can overcome his shaky standing with voters. He faces numerous detractors, as evidenced by protesters who repeatedly interrupted his rally on Thursday, with some calling him a “criminal.”
Nevertheless, Adams may appeal to moderate and business-focused Cuomo supporters who are wary of Mamdani. His campaign event included faith leaders and former officials who spoke before him.
Meanwhile, Cuomo is contemplating an independent campaign, which could add another layer of complexity to the general election.
