|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Adams’ Indictment Sparks Potential 2025 Rival Surge: “Who Might Enter the Race?”
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Mayor Eric Adams is facing growing political pressure following his bombshell indictment, with several Democratic challengers in the 2025 mayoral race seizing the moment to call for his resignation and potentially strengthen their own bids. As The New York Post reports, Adams vowed to continue leading New York City, but his indictment raises questions about whether he will remain in the race for re-election.
Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller and a prominent critic of the mayor, quickly called for Adams to step down, saying, “The hardworking people of New York City deserve a city government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they don’t have it.” Lander, already in the 2025 race, is just one of several candidates pushing for new leadership in the wake of Adams’ legal troubles. According to The New York Post, this development provides an opportunity for Adams’ opponents to further challenge his administration.
Scott Stringer, former city comptroller and mayoral candidate in 2021, has also joined the call for Adams to resign, though he is currently only “exploring” another run for mayor. As reported by The New York Post, Stringer emphasized the need for the city to move forward, stating, “While the mayor focuses on proving his innocence, the rest of us need to focus on the business of the city.” Stringer himself has faced controversy recently, with a defamation lawsuit resurfacing regarding accusations of sexual assault during his 2021 campaign.
Several state lawmakers who have announced their candidacies for the 2025 mayoral race have also joined the resignation chorus. State Senator Zellnor Myrie of Brooklyn was among the first to call for Adams’ resignation, expressing the particular disappointment felt by Black New Yorkers who had placed their hopes in the mayor. As noted by The New York Post, Myrie, who represents central Brooklyn, emphasized the impact the indictment could have on the city’s trust in its leadership.
In addition, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who is exploring a bid for mayor, added his voice to those urging Adams to resign, further intensifying the political landscape surrounding the 2025 race. The New York Post has highlighted how the indictment has invigorated both announced and potential candidates, who see this as a pivotal moment in the city’s political future.
State Senator Jessica Ramos (D-Queens), a progressive voice who, while critical of the Adams administration, chose a more restrained response. According to The New York Post, Ramos issued a statement saying, “a new day for our city is long overdue,” but refrained from harsh attacks, adding that she was “not interested in dancing on anyone’s grave tonight.” Her words reflect a desire to focus on policy rather than capitalize on Adams’ legal troubles immediately.
The New York Post has also raised one of the more intriguing possibilities in light of Adams’ indictment: the potential political comeback of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amidst a flurry of sexual harassment allegations and controversies surrounding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has long been rumored to be eyeing a return to politics. While Cuomo’s spokesperson did not respond to the Post’s inquiries, political insiders have suggested for months that charges against Adams might provide the former governor with an opening to re-enter the political arena. Despite his fall from grace, Cuomo has continuously denied all wrongdoing, keeping the door open for a possible run.
Another potential contender, according to The New York Post, is City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island). Borelli, a prominent Republican figure, acknowledged that while he would consider running, it would only be under specific circumstances. In an interview with the Post, Borelli stated that he would only enter the race if Adams voluntarily stepped down from office. Despite the federal indictment, Adams currently remains in his role as mayor, and his resignation is far from guaranteed.
It is worth noting that even while under federal indictment, Adams can continue to serve as mayor. The power to remove him from office before the end of his term resides solely with Governor Kathy Hochul. As The New York Post highlights, this extraordinary action would require significant political will and would likely only be pursued under exceptional circumstances. For now, Adams remains at the helm, although the political climate is undeniably shifting around him as challengers begin to circle.
The question of who will step up to challenge Adams, or whether he will even remain in the race, remains open. With figures like Jessica Ramos, Andrew Cuomo, and Joe Borelli all possibly entering the fray, the 2025 mayoral race is shaping up to be a dramatic and unpredictable contest. As the New York Post continues to cover, the city’s political future could see some surprising developments in the coming months.
