Speaker Adrienne Adams pushes lefty NYC Council wishlist in muted annual address — which Mayor Eric Adams no-shows

The Political Backdrop: A City in Flux
New York City is currently navigating a complex political landscape, with power dynamics shifting and potential candidates positioning themselves for future roles. At the center of this dynamic is Adrienne Adams, the City Council Speaker, who recently delivered her annual "State of the City" address. This speech was not just a routine update on the city’s affairs but also served as a soft launch for her potential mayoral campaign. Adrienne Adams has openly expressed her consideration of running for mayor, particularly as the current mayor, Eric Adams, faces myriad challenges, and speculation grows about a possible comeback by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Adrienne Adams’ Vision for the City: A Call for Collective Action
In her speech, delivered at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Adrienne Adams outlined a vision for New York City that prioritizes its people over individual interests. She emphasized the need for leadership that focuses on solutions rather than slogans and criticized the self-serving tendencies of some politicians. Her address included key policy proposals, such as closing Rikers Island, restoring seven-day service to 10 libraries, and opposing former President Donald Trump’s “cruel crusade” against immigrant families. Adams also took a subtle swipe at the trio of egos vying for power in the city—Mayor Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, and Donald Trump—calling for partnership over patriarchy and collective action over individual glory.

The Mayor’s Absence and Its Implications
While Adrienne Adams used her speech to lay out her vision, Mayor Eric Adams was notably absent. The mayor cited his need to travel to Washington, D.C., to prepare for his testimony before Congress as the reason for missing the address. However, his absence raised eyebrows among political insiders and Council members, many of whom expressed skepticism about his reasoning. The last time a New York City mayor skipped a Council Speaker’s State of the City address was in 2016, when Bill de Blasio missed Melissa Mark-Viverito’s speech. Mayor Adams’ press team defended his absence, stating that he had to prioritize preparing for his testimony alongside other sanctuary city mayors.

Reactions to the Speech: Mixed Reviews and Political Undertones
Adrienne Adams’ speech received a mixed response from the audience, which included city Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, both of whom are running in the Democratic mayoral primary. While some, like former Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, praised the speech as rousing and apt for the city’s “dark times,” others felt it lacked the assertiveness needed for a mayoral campaign. Political operative Hank Sheinkopf noted that mayoral campaigns require more than just being nice, suggesting that Adams needed to show more fight if she hopes to succeed.

The Broader Political Landscape: Power Struggles and Ambitions
The speech and the mayor’s absence have sparked further speculation about the city’s political future. Adrienne Adams has been vocal about her criticism of Mayor Adams, even calling for his resignation. Her potential mayoral run has been seen as a direct challenge to his leadership, especially as he faces numerous hurdles, including declining popularity and the resurgence of Andrew Cuomo. Meanwhile, the mayor’s absence from the speech has been interpreted by some as a deliberate snub, highlighting the growing tension between the two political figures.

Looking Ahead: A City on the Brink of Change
As New York City grapples with challenges ranging from housing and public safety to political leadership, the stakes for the next mayoral election are high. Adrienne Adams’ speech has positioned her as a potential contender, but whether her message will resonate with voters remains to be seen. The city’s political landscape is increasingly dynamic, with figures like Andrew Cuomo and Donald Trump looming in the background. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing power struggle between Adrienne Adams and Mayor Eric Adams, as both navigate the complexities of leadership and ambition in one of the world’s most iconic cities.