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New York City is preparing for what could be one of its most chaotic mayoral races in recent memory. The upcoming 2025 election promises to be contentious, with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams facing legal battles, declining public support, and a growing list of challengers vying to unseat him.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, has been indicted on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting contributions from a foreign national. He has pleaded not guilty and insists he will run for reelection, focusing on governance despite these allegations.
However, his legal troubles and declining approval ratings have emboldened over half a dozen Democrats to enter the primary, with others, including controversial former Governor Andrew Cuomo, reportedly considering bids.
Adams’s approval rating has plummeted amidst criticism over his handling of crime, housing issues, and a migrant crisis that has stretched city resources. The indictment further complicates his political future.
Federal prosecutors accuse Adams of accepting bribes from businessmen and a Turkish official in exchange for favors, making him the first sitting New York City mayor to face criminal charges. The controversy deepened as the FBI searched homes of his associates, and his former top aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was recently charged with bribery.
A Marist College poll found that nearly 70% of respondents believe Adams should resign. Nonetheless, Adams remains defiant, with his trial set for April—just two months before the June primary. His legal battles have also impacted his fundraising; he received only one donation of $250 in the weeks following his indictment.
Adding to his woes, the city’s Campaign Finance Board recently denied his request for millions in matching funds due to allegations of campaign finance violations from his 2021 campaign.
Despite these hurdles, Adams still holds some advantages as the incumbent. Some strategists argue that none of his challengers have the "caliber" to defeat him, creating opportunities for more candidates to enter the race.
However, Adams’s relationship with Donald Trump has raised eyebrows. He was recently seen with Trump at a UFC fight and met with Trump’s “border czar,” sparking speculation about a potential pardon or even a party switch—claims Adams denies.
The Democratic field is growing increasingly crowded, with candidates such as City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, and former Assembly member Michael Blake all joining the race.
Additionally, former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson has thrown his hat in the ring. Adams’s opponents are eager to capitalize on his legal troubles and his perceived proximity to Trump, painting him as out of touch with Democratic values.
Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo looms large as a potential contender. Cuomo resigned in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations and scrutiny over his handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic.
Despite these controversies, Cuomo retains a base of support among voters who value his managerial skills and crisis leadership, particularly during the early days of the pandemic. His entry could significantly shake up the race.
On the Republican side, the field remains less defined. Potential candidates include 2021 GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, and radio host John Catsimatidis.
Republican strategist Matt Coleman noted that Adams’s moderate stance and Trump’s gains in the city during the presidential race could open a path for Adams if he were to pivot toward the GOP. Historically, New York has elected Republican mayors like Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg, suggesting a potential opening for the right candidate.
As the race heats up, strategists believe voters will prioritize candidates who address their day-to-day concerns and promise to disrupt the status quo.
Democratic strategist Basil Smikle noted that the appetite for disruptive politics remains strong, with Adams himself being seen as a disruptor. However, whether Adams can overcome his legal and political challenges to maintain that narrative is uncertain.
With the field still evolving and speculation swirling around high-profile figures like Cuomo, the 2025 mayoral race is set to test the city’s political landscape like never before.
