NYC Mayor Eric Adams Announces Re-Election Bid Following Mamdani’s Democratic Primary Win [WATCH]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams officially launched his re-election campaign Thursday on the steps of City Hall, just two days after self-described Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani claimed victory in the city’s Democratic primary, stunning political observers and setting the stage for a contentious general election in November, as reported by Fox News.

Adams, who was elected as a Democrat in 2021, is now running as an independent following a drop in approval ratings and a federal investigation that ended earlier this year with no charges.

He addressed a crowd of supporters, labor union leaders, and business allies while protesters across City Hall Park interrupted his remarks, shouting accusations and calling him a “criminal.”

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“This is a city not of socialism,” Adams said, referring to Mamdani’s platform.

“There’s no dignity in someone giving you everything for free. There’s dignity in giving you a job, so you can provide for your family and the opportunities that you deserve. This is not a city of handouts. This is a city of hands up.”

The announcement followed Mamdani’s unexpected victory in the Democratic primary, where the 33-year-old State Assemblyman from Queens secured the nomination after campaigning on a platform that includes government-run grocery stores, rent freezes, free public college, childcare, and citywide fare-free transit.

“He’s a snake-oil salesman,” Adams said of Mamdani during a Wednesday interview on Fox & Friends. “He would say and do anything to get elected.”

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During Thursday’s campaign kickoff, Adams declared:

“I’m not interested in Twitter politics. I’m interested in getting the trash picked up. I’m not interested in slogans. I’m interested in the solutions. I don’t work with special interests. I work for the people.”

Mamdani responded to Adams’ critiques Tuesday night, stating his vision for New York is one “where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump’s fascism, to stop mass ICE agents from deporting our neighbors, and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party.”

Adams, however, has openly challenged President Joe Biden’s immigration policies and has met with President Donald Trump since his return to the White House.

The Trump administration’s Department of Justice dropped bribery and conspiracy charges against Adams earlier this year, with Adams maintaining the case was politically motivated.

“Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics,” Adams said, referencing his Sept. 27, 2024 indictment.

“I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target — and a target I became.”

Supporters chanted “Four more years!” as Adams concluded his announcement. “You can call me all the names you want, but I’m going to answer to only one: Mayor Adams,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo—previously considered a front-runner for the Democratic nomination—left open the possibility of a third-party or independent campaign this fall.

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple scandals, has already qualified to appear on the November ballot as an independent.

“I want to look at all the numbers… I will then consult with my colleagues on what is the best path for me to help the City of New York,” Cuomo said following his concession Tuesday.

Former federal prosecutor Jim Walden is also running as an independent. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa will return to the general election ballot after his 2021 campaign.

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