Eric Adams slams latecomer mayoral rivals Andrew Cuomo, Adrienne Adams — while insisting he’s ‘not a quitter’

A Divisive Democratic Primary: Mayor Eric Adams Faces Growing Challenges

The race for the Democratic nomination in New York City’s mayoral election has intensified, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams facing increasing pressure from high-profile challengers. The mayor, known for his unwavering confidence, has angrily accused two prominent rivals—former Governor Andrew Cuomo and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams—of running “shadow campaigns” while he battles plummeting approval ratings and ongoing legal troubles. Despite mounting challenges, Adams remains defiant, vowing not to abandon his re-election bid. “I’m not a quitter, I’m a New Yorker,” he declared during a press conference near Washington Square Park. “We never surrender, never give up. This game is so far from over.”

Shadow Campaigns and Frontline Battles: Adams Lashes Out at Rivals

Adams’ frustration stems from the recent entries of Cuomo and Adrienne Adams into the Democratic primary, which has already become one of the most crowded and competitive races in recent memory. The mayor, who has faced significant scrutiny over his leadership and a lingering corruption case, accused his rivals of avoiding the spotlight and failing to articulate their positions on key issues. “They were running shadow campaigns,” Adams remarked. “They were not being scrutinized, they were not being questioned. You didn’t know what their positions were.” He also claimed that his rivals are now adopting his policies, suggesting that they are mimicking his vision for the city’s future. “Now everyone is trying to shift and knows that my winning solution of turning around the city, from COVID to crime, to jobs to the economy—everyone is now sounding like Eric Adams,” he said.

Enter Andrew Cuomo: A Familiar Face with a Complicated Past

The entry of Andrew Cuomo into the race has added anotherlayer of drama to the already volatile contest. The former governor, who resigned in disgrace in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations he denies, has positioned himself as the city’s potential savior. Cuomo’s candidacy marks a stunning turnaround in his political fortunes, as he seeks to redeem himself after a career-defining scandal. His decision to run has been met with both skepticism and curiosity, as many wonder whether voters will give him another chance. Cuomo’s campaign argues that he possesses the experience and expertise needed to address the city’s crises, a claim that has drawn both support and criticism.

Adrienne Adams Joins the Fray: A New Challenger Emerges

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams officially threw her hat into the ring on Wednesday, further complicating the race. Her entry has been seen as a significant challenge to the incumbent mayor, as she brings her own playbook and political network to the table. While her campaign has yet to fully articulate its platform, her presence in the race represents a direct threat to Adams’ already precarious hold on the Democratic nomination. The speaker’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment, but her decision to run has already shifted the dynamics of the contest.

A Campaign in Limbo: Adams’ Legal Woes and Political Strategy

Mayor Adams’ own campaign has been notably absent from the spotlight as he navigates a criminal case that continues to loom over his political future. While his team had hoped for a quick resolution, recent developments have pushed any potential decision until mid-March, leaving his campaign in limbo. Adams has defended his low profile, arguing that as an incumbent, he does not need to raise his visibility. “I know how to overcome hurdles, I know it so well,” he said. “The worst thing I can do is surrender to a lie. And I will never do that.” However, his strategy of laying low has raised questions about his preparedness for a competitive primary.

The Battle for New York City: What’s at Stake in This Election?

As the Democratic primary heats up, the stakes could not be higher. New York City is grappling with a range of challenges, from rising crime rates to economic uncertainty, and voters are looking for a leader who can offer bold solutions and steady leadership. The eventual winner of the Democratic nomination will likely face a tough general election, but for now, the focus is on a primary that is shaping up to be one of the most contentious in recent memory. With Adams, Cuomo, Adrienne Adams, and other candidates vying for the nomination, the race is a microcosm of the broader struggles within the Democratic Party to unite around a vision for the future. As the campaign season unfolds, one thing is clear: the outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for the city and its residents.