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New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ political career hangs in the balance as he confronts federal corruption allegations and an increasingly challenging path to reelection.
“His political prospects could not be dimmer if you look at data, if you look at anecdotals, if you look at how one marshals together a reelection campaign, especially in a really tough environment,” a New York Democratic strategist tells The Hill.
🚨Federal agents raided Mayor Eric Adams residence overnight as the latest move in a corruption investigation involving foreign campaign funds.
Coincidentally, Mayor Adams gave the keys to NYC to Diddy- who is also under investigation and in jail. pic.twitter.com/0ZtdaplJfq— Still🏝️Roaming (@roaming_rn) September 26, 2024
Adams, who transitioned from leading the Brooklyn Borough after serving as a police captain, made history as the city’s second Black mayor following his 2021 victory in a competitive Democratic field.
His approval rating plummeted to a record-low 28% in December 2023, marking the weakest showing since Quinnipiac University began surveying NYC voters in 1996.
These declining numbers reflect mounting challenges, including the city’s ongoing migrant crisis, housing scarcity, and fluctuating crime rates, exemplified by recent tragic incidents like the triple homicide in Manhattan. Compounding these issues, Adams faces federal corruption charges from September, involving alleged bribe acceptance from Turkish officials and business figures.
The legal troubles stem from activities predating his mayoral term, with potential prison sentences spanning decades if convicted.
Despite maintaining his innocence and pledging to continue serving while fighting the charges, Adams faces unprecedented circumstances as the first sitting mayor to be indicted.
The timing proves particularly challenging, with Democratic primaries approaching in June and several formidable candidates already announcing their campaigns, including Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, and state legislators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos.
The indictment has attracted additional challengers, such as Zohran Mamdani, while high-profile figures like Andrew Cuomo and Michael Blake contemplate entering the race.
According to The Hill, Adams’ fundraising efforts have practically ceased.
His campaign received just one $250 contribution in the weeks following the indictment, with third-quarter earnings dropping to roughly $200,000, his lowest since taking office.
Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf cautions against dismissing Adams, citing his strong support among Black and conservative constituents.
Sheinkopf emphasized the rarity of incumbent mayors losing reelection, noting only two such instances in seven decades, and advised Adams to concentrate on mayoral duties.
Mayor Adams took $10M in illegal donations and bribes. pic.twitter.com/7BjeqPjF8v
— New York Post (@nypost) September 26, 2024
“Be the mayor,” he said. “That’s the job. Run the city, run the agencies, take care of crime, and get the city running. If we can do that, and get announced more affordable housing construction, the things voters care about, these positions are winning it.”
Additionally, Adams’ recent rapport with President-elect Trump, including their encounter at a UFC event and Trump’s public solidarity regarding their respective legal challenges, might resonate with certain voters.
