A broad coalition of law enforcement unions has decided to back Eric Adams’ campaign this week.
Sources indicate that the newly established NYC Uniform Force Union is among those endorsing him. However, it’s worth noting that the Police Charity Association, the largest police union in the U.S. that previously supported Adams in 2021, is notably absent from the announcement.
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) was present at the initial coalition meeting but later opted to distance itself, choosing to endorse Adams independently.
During the intense primary contest, the PBA kept a low profile while Zoran Mamdani, who emerged as the Democratic candidate last month, challenged former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has a history of backing unions and big corporations.
In the coming weeks, both Adams and Cuomo—now running as independents—are humorously pursuing endorsements from prominent business figures and influential New Yorkers.
Concerns have arisen among police circles about how Mamdani, who has been linked to contentious criminal justice reforms in 2019, would affect the city’s governance. Many in the police rank-and-file seem hesitant to return to Cuomo, wary of leftist policies being enacted at city hall that could lead to police budget cuts.
Law enforcement support could significantly enhance Adams’ chances in a race where recent polls have placed him over 20 points behind the frontrunner, often landing in a distant third or fourth. Some experts believe this backing may also help maintain the current police chief, Jessica Tish, in her position, especially as criticisms arise toward Mamdani’s progressive initiatives.
