Cuomo Returns, Adrienne Adams Considers, Eric Adams Fights for Survival: NYC's Mayoral Race Just Exploded
Cuomo storms into the mayoral race vowing to “fix” New York, while Adrienne Adams inches closer to a historic candidacy. Their presence, along with Eric Adams, could fracture the Democratic base.
"I know what needs to be done and I know how to do it,” said former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, officially declaring his candidacy for New York City Mayor and aiming to reclaim political prominence after his controversial 2021 resignation.
Simultaneously, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is signaling a potential bid, having recently filed paperwork to establish a campaign committee named "Adrienne for the People."
"We currently have chaos and diminished trust in the other side of City Hall,” said Adrienne Adams in a recent interview with Gothamist. “That's why I'm seriously considering a campaign to become the first woman mayor of New York City."
The entrance of the former Governor and the looming candidacy of the City Council Speaker have fundamentally transformed the trajectory of the 2025 New York City mayoral race. Their presence introduces a volatile mix of political realignment and heightened scrutiny of Mayor Eric Adams' record.
For current Mayor Eric Adams, this new political landscape represents a formidable challenge. Heading into the race, he was already grappling with declining approval ratings due to concerns over corruption allegations and increasing alliance with the White House.
Cuomo’s entry presents an immediate threat from a fellow moderate Democrat with a far more established political legacy. While Adrienne Adams’ potential run could consolidate progressive support.
For New Yorkers, this new electoral dynamic presents a complex choice. The race is no longer a referendum on Eric Adams’ tenure but about who should represent New York City and competing visions for its future.
Moderate and conservative-leaning Democrats who supported Eric Adams in 2021, primarily on public safety concerns, now have an alternative in Cuomo. His gubernatorial experience and tough-on-crime messaging could appeal to voters who feel Eric Adams has not been effective enough in tackling crime and city mismanagement.
Progressive and reformist voters who have been critical of Eric Adams’ approach to policing, budget cuts, and social services may now see Adrienne Adams as a viable alternative. If she formally enters, she could emerge as the progressive standard-bearer, further fragmenting the field.
Undecided and swing voters may find themselves caught between dissatisfaction with the current administration and skepticism about Cuomo’s past controversies. Adrienne Adams could offer an entirely different pathway for governance, but her level of citywide recognition and approval remains uncertain.
One of the biggest takeaways from these developments is that New York’s Democratic electorate is far from united. The presence of Cuomo, Eric Adams, and potentially Adrienne Adams could create a three-way split, leading to an unpredictable primary outcome.
Ranked-choice voting, which played a crucial role in Adams’ initial victory, adds another layer of unpredictability, forcing candidates to appeal beyond their core base if they want to remain competitive.
As the high-stakes electoral battle unfolds, the interactions between these candidates is sure to be closely scrutinized by voters, who will take into account each’s candidates track record and potential ability to address the city's ongoing challenges and political attacks.