Mayor Adams Critiques Zoran Mamdani’s Campaign
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams expressed concerns about Zoran Mamdani, a candidate from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Adams emphasized that Mamdani would lead the city off course.
Even though Adams isn’t seeking re-election, when asked whom he would support for the upcoming November election, he suggested that the Democratic candidate could steer the city in the wrong direction.
“There’s one big hurdle, and that’s Zoran,” Adams stated while speaking at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn.
“We don’t want to go backwards. Zoran and the DSA will push us backwards,” he added.
Adams, who is leaving office, mentioned that he hopes for a successor who is “obsessed with our city” and resistant to a far-left agenda.
He dismissed parts of Mamdani’s campaign, particularly the claim of freezing stable rents, which he called a “false promise.” As the mayor pointed out, he does not have the authority to control rents, as any changes would need to go through the Rent Guidelines Committee.
“You can’t freeze rents in NYCHA. You can’t freeze rents in Mitchell-Lama apartments. You can’t freeze rents at market rate,” Adams explained, emphasizing the challenge of affordable housing. “That’s why I need someone to support me.”
Additionally, Adams rejected the DSA’s proposal for the Civilian Complaint Review Board to take control of police discipline and expressed skepticism about plans to close Rikers Island prison.
“When I say I support this person, I want the people of New York City to know that I want to continue to move us forward,” he reiterated.
As for potential candidates to endorse, Adams indicated he was still in discussions, mentioning former governors, including Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent. He also noted that Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa may show him support publicly.
Adams expressed a desire for ongoing programs, outlining two new initiatives launched by the Department of Human Services aimed at assisting expectant parents.
One program, called CRIB, helps homeless pregnant women secure housing before their child is born, while another initiative, NYC Baby Boxes, distributes essential baby supplies, such as onesies and diapers, to families at various hospital locations.
Since withdrawing from the mayoral race on September 28, Adams has been leaning towards supporting Cuomo, a fellow moderate, despite their complicated relationship.
In recent weeks, Adams has intensified his criticism of the far-left agenda represented by Mamdani, even editing a line out of his farewell speech that was aimed at Cuomo.
The one-term mayor, who has a background in law enforcement, conveyed he didn’t want “our city to look like what’s happening in Europe,” referring to what he termed “extremist actions” without offering specific examples.
A spokesperson from City Hall mentioned that the mayor referred to extremism in cities like London and Paris, but didn’t provide additional details.
Reports indicate that policies promoted by the DSA, which supports Mamdani, include closing all prisons, decriminalizing drug use, and abolishing cash bail and pretrial detention.
While Mamdani has been cautious about discussing these controversial policies, he has echoed the DSA’s views regarding decriminalizing prostitution and called for an end to mayoral control of public schools.
A representative for Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Ultimately, Adams stated that any support he may offer will be rooted in a desire to uphold his legacy.
“I’m not just supporting anyone other than Zoran,” he concluded. “But this is also what I’m saying: Hey, New Yorkers, I’ve given you my blood, sweat, and tears for 40 years, and I think who’s going to move it forward, and I’m going to sit down and talk to see who’s going to do it.”
