Democrat Refuses To Join The GOP
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) has firmly stated that he will seek a second term as mayor in the upcoming Democratic primary, putting to rest any speculation about switching parties. Despite rumors that he may run as a Republican after his corruption case was dismissed, Adams made it clear that he will not be making a party switch. In a recent interview with NBC New York, he emphasized that he is “100 percent” focused on securing the Democratic nomination.
While there was early speculation sparked by conversations between Adams and local Republican figures, such as Bronx GOP Chair Mike Rendino, the mayor remains committed to running within the Democratic Party. “For all those saying differently, you heard it directly from me: I am going to be running in the Democratic primary,” Adams stated. His campaign is geared toward uniting all New Yorkers, regardless of political affiliation, to gain the support necessary to win the general election.
However, Adams faces significant hurdles. His approval rating remains low, with recent polling showing him trailing in the race. A survey from Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill found that Adams garnered just 10 percent of support, while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has not officially entered the race, is leading with 33 percent. This early polling paints a grim picture for Adams, especially considering that nearly 60 percent of New Yorkers hold an unfavorable view of his leadership.
Despite the Department of Justice (DOJ) decision to dismiss the corruption charges against him, the mayor’s political future seems uncertain. Some New Yorkers are unhappy with the DOJ’s move, as a plurality—49 percent—believes the charges should not have been dropped. The dismissal has raised questions about potential political influence, especially given that it came amid concerns about Adams’s re-election prospects.
Adams has tried to downplay these concerns, pointing to his previous come-from-behind victory in the 2021 mayoral race. “I had another Andrew in my previous race,” he remarked, referring to former mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, who led Adams by double digits early in the 2021 contest. “But we don’t call Andrew Yang mayor. We call Eric Adams mayor. Never give up. New York is never give up.”
Despite the obstacles, Adams remains determined to continue his fight for re-election, insisting that he is the best candidate to lead the city forward. However, with mounting political opposition and skepticism about his ability to recover in the polls, only time will tell if the mayor can overcome the odds once again.
