Bloomberg Era in Demand as New Yorkers Consider Leadership Change Amid Adams’ Indictment

Bloomberg Era in Demand as New Yorkers Consider Leadership Change Amid Adams’ Indictment

Edited by: TJVNews.com

With New York City Mayor Eric Adams facing a federal indictment and calls for his resignation growing louder, nearly half of New Yorkers have expressed a desire for former Mayor Michael Bloomberg to step in as his potential replacement, according to a recent Morning Consult poll. The poll, which was released on Thursday, found that 48% of respondents would support the return of Bloomberg, an 82-year-old billionaire who previously served three terms as mayor, should Adams be forced to vacate his position. This surge in support reflects a deep nostalgia for Bloomberg’s leadership during his tenure from 2002 to 2013.

The New York Post reported that while Bloomberg enjoys strong backing from New Yorkers, his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, is unlikely to stage a successful political comeback. A significant 54% of respondents opposed the idea of de Blasio, who left office in 2021 with historically low approval ratings, running for mayor again. In contrast, only 33% of respondents said they would be opposed to Bloomberg stepping into a special election, signaling a marked preference for his technocratic and business-oriented style of governance, which many associate with New York City’s post-9/11 recovery and economic growth.

The poll also revealed that former Governor Andrew Cuomo, another figure from New York’s political past, retains substantial support for a potential return to office. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple sexual harassment allegations, which he continues to deny, was favored by 42% of respondents for a mayoral run. However, 41% said they would oppose his candidacy, reflecting a divided public opinion on whether the former governor should re-enter politics. According to the report in The New York Post, Cuomo has been rumored to be considering a political comeback, and this poll shows that he still commands significant attention despite the controversies that ended his governorship.

In addition to Bloomberg and Cuomo, New Yorkers appear to be weighing other potential candidates for mayoral leadership, with state Attorney General Letitia James receiving notable support. The poll found that 40% of adults would back a mayoral run by James, including a majority of Democrats—54%—making her the most favored candidate within the party. As The New York Post report noted that James has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for civil rights and corporate accountability, and her popularity within Democratic circles could position her as a strong contender should Adams leave office.

Adams, currently facing criminal corruption charges, has seen his approval ratings plummet as public confidence in his leadership wanes. As was indicated in The New York Post report, the poll found that 58% of respondents disapprove of his job performance, compared to just 29% who approve. More tellingly, only 7% of New Yorkers believe Adams is innocent of the charges against him, and a staggering 57% believe he should resign from office. In its analysis of the poll findings, Morning Consult stated, “Even if Adams is able to beat the charges, as he has pledged to, our survey makes clear that he has already been convicted in the court of public opinion.”

The New York Post report further highlighted Morning Consult’s observation that “New Yorkers are pining for the Bloomberg era,” a sentiment that any aspiring mayoral candidate would do well to consider. Bloomberg’s tenure is often associated with a sense of order and pragmatism, particularly in the realms of public health, education, and urban planning. His administration’s legacy of fiscal responsibility and public safety, paired with his ability to forge alliances across political lines, seems to have left a lasting impression on many New Yorkers who now face the uncertainty of Adams’ potential departure.

While Bloomberg, Cuomo, and James have emerged as leading names in the poll, other political figures are also receiving attention for a possible run. Approximately one-third of respondents indicated support for Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and former City Comptroller Scott Stringer as candidates for mayor. Williams, a progressive Democrat, has long been a vocal advocate for affordable housing and criminal justice reform, while Stringer, a seasoned politician with a strong financial background, has maintained a loyal following despite his loss in the 2021 mayoral primary. In addition, 28% of respondents said they would support current City Comptroller Brad Lander for the role, according to The New York Post report.

Former Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served from 1994 to 2001, also garnered significant support in the poll. Almost half of respondents, 48%, said Giuliani had improved the city, compared to 27% who felt his leadership had been detrimental. Giuliani’s tough-on-crime policies and his role in leading the city through the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks still resonate with many New Yorkers, despite his more controversial political involvement in recent years, as was indicated in The New York Post report.

The poll, conducted between October 4-8, surveyed 1,510 New York City residents and sheds light on the shifting political landscape.

Other potential contenders for City Hall also made appearances in the poll, though they trail behind political heavyweights like Bloomberg and Giuliani. The report in The New York Post said that about 25% of respondents said they would support State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) in a mayoral run, while 23% backed City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island). State Senator Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Queens) each garnered 19% support. These figures reflect a broad interest in both progressive and conservative candidates, with the city’s voters seemingly open to a range of political ideologies as they consider a post-Adams future.

The New York Post report also highlighted growing concerns among New Yorkers about the state of the city. A majority, 56%, said the city is on the wrong track, and seven in ten respondents reported that the cost of living is worsening. Housing affordability remains a top concern, with two-thirds of those surveyed saying it is a significant problem. Additionally, around 60% of respondents indicated that crime, immigration, and homelessness are all issues that have worsened under the current administration. This growing dissatisfaction has only fueled speculation about a leadership change, with many New Yorkers questioning whether Adams can effectively navigate these crises.

Bloomberg’s camp has remained silent in response to the poll, declining to comment on the results. However, Kevin Sheekey, a top aide to Bloomberg, acknowledged the favorable poll in his daily news digest, subtly amplifying speculation that the former mayor might be considering a return to politics. Meanwhile, The New York Post report said that a source close to former Governor Andrew Cuomo noted that the poll results were similarly encouraging for Cuomo, claiming the former governor’s moderate approach to governing mirrors Bloomberg’s brand of leadership. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, continues to deny the claims and has hinted at a potential political comeback.

The upcoming mayoral race could see a wide range of candidates from across the political spectrum. As The New York Post points out, any candidate from any party can run in an open special election if Adams is removed or steps down. With no clear favorite emerging just yet, New Yorkers are likely to face a diverse field of contenders—each promising a different vision for the city’s future. The results of the Morning Consult survey, which has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, reflect a deep desire for change, but also a yearning for the stable, pragmatic governance that many associate with Bloomberg’s tenure.