On Thursday, March 6, 2025, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams officially joined the mayoral race, entering a crowded Democratic primary field that includes former Governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams, who filed paperwork last week, announced her candidacy, stating that City Hall is in “chaos” and accusing President Donald Trump of undermining the city’s independence. “New Yorkers can’t afford to live here,” she said. “I never planned to run for mayor, but I’m not giving up on New York City.”
Adams, 64, was first elected to the City Council in 2017 and became the first Black Council Speaker in 2022. She has positioned herself as a leader focused on housing, public safety, and education.
Her candidacy has already drawn criticism over her record. In 2021, Adams voted to allow non-citizens and migrants in the city for 30 days to vote in local elections. After a judge ruled the law illegal in 2022, Adams sued twice to overturn the decision and is currently appealing in the Court of Appeals.
Adams has also backed policies that opponents argue endanger public safety. She supported the “How Many Stops Act,” which critics say burdens police officers with excessive paperwork. She has called for defunding the NYPD, eliminating the gang database, and removing School Safety Agents from public schools.
The Democratic primary is four months away, and Adams must now gather signatures to secure a spot on the ballot. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams, facing federal corruption charges, continues to struggle with low approval ratings. A recent Quinnipiac poll shows his support has dropped to just 20%.
With the mayoral race heating up, Adams’ policies and record are likely to remain a focal point as voters decide who will lead the city next.
