Zohran’s Next Challenge: Another Disgraced (Former) Democrat
Mother JonesJUN 24
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Launches Reelection Bid as Independent
Above: NYC Mayor Eric Adams launches reelection campaign at City Hall steps on June 26, 2025. Image copyright: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Democratic socialists in New York have pulled their party so far to the left that Adams' common sense makes his reelection likely — and the only way to avoid a disastrous mayoralty under Mamdani. New Yorkers want safe streets, and Adams has real results to deliver as crime is down to the second-lowest level in almost three decades.
Establishment-critical narrative
Adams is a scandal-plagued mayor whose corruption charges were suspiciously dropped after cozying up to Trump, and whose attacks on Mamdani are desperate attempts of the establishment to stop the rise of the democratic socialist. The city needs fresh leadership focused on affordability, not more of Adams' pay-to-play failed politics.