Poll Reveals Low Approval for Mayor Eric Adams

It’s a consensus that Mayor Eric Adams is facing tough scrutiny. A recent poll published on Tuesday paints a rather bleak picture of his leadership. Shockingly, 0% of those surveyed could recall him as one of New York City’s standout mayors.

Conducted by Honan Strategy Group just before Adams’ term wraps up, the poll revealed that a significant 69% of likely voters disapprove of his performance, with 71% labeling his leadership as “chaotic” and “unfocused.” This is quite the disconnect considering his mantra: “Stay focused, don’t get distracted, and stay sharp!”

The independent survey, which took place from December 4 to 12, delivered what can only be described as a “brutal” evaluation of his legacy. None of the approximately 850 participants selected Adams as one of the top mayors in recent history.

In fact, about 30% of respondents view him as one of the worst mayors in recent times, and another 38% ranked his performance as “below average.”

Additionally, 63% feel that Adams’ tenure has compounded the uncertainty facing the city as it attempts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adams has also dealt with a major setback regarding crime, a critical issue during his administration. Even after a tumultuous period of internal conflicts within the NYPD, the recent hiring of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisha in 2022 has shown some progress. Still, only 30% of respondents believe Adams has made significant strides in crime and safety, while a notable 59% think he has fallen short.

Despite a decrease in homicides, shootings, and retail theft, major crime overall remains higher than pre-pandemic levels—with a 20% increase in 2025 compared to 2019. Adams’ first term was overshadowed by corruption allegations, which were eventually dismissed, yet they hindered his candidacy as he briefly stepped back from the Democratic primary.

Looking ahead, Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani is set to take over on January 1.

Adams has made it clear he disagrees with the negative assessment of his time in office. Just last week, he mentioned to the press, “I think history will be kind when I reflect on the relationships we built over these past four years amidst significant challenges.”

With just one day remaining in office, the survey indicates that 43% believe Adams has made conditions worse, while 41% feel he had no effect at all. Surprisingly, only 14% of those questioned think the city has improved during his four-year term.