Eric Adams's reelection impacted by progressive voters

 February 4, 2025

New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces mounting challenges to his reelection campaign amid growing concerns over his association with former President Donald Trump.

According to the Washington Examiner, a recent poll by the Honan Strategy Group indicates that "anti-Trump surge voters" could significantly impact the June Democratic primary in the city's 2025 mayoral race.

The poll reveals a stark reality for Adams, who garnered only 9% support, tying with socialist New York state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for third place. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo leads the pack with 35% support, despite not officially declaring his candidacy, while New York City Comptroller Brad Lander secured second place with 10% support.

Trump connection damages Adams campaign prospects

Bradley Honan, CEO and president of the polling group emphasized the significance of anti-Trump surge voters in shaping the upcoming election.

These voters, predominantly younger, female, and progressive, are expected to turn out in large numbers specifically to combat Trump's influence. Their mobilization could prove detrimental to Adams's campaign.

Honan stated:

They are activated, they are engaged, and they are animated in their opposition to Donald Trump. He is not on the ballot in June, but these voters are going to come out and surge in their participation, and they are going to influence the outcome of the election with Trump in office.

The mayor's decision to attend Trump's inauguration instead of participating in Martin Luther King Jr. Day events has further strained his relationship with Democratic voters. Recent discussions between Trump's Department of Justice, Adams's legal team, and federal prosecutors regarding his corruption case have intensified scrutiny of their connection.

Ranked choice voting simulation predicts Adams elimination

The poll's ranked-choice voting simulation delivered another blow to Adams's campaign, showing his elimination in the fifth round. Progressive candidates Lander and Mamdani collectively secured 30% support, while Cuomo dominated with 58% in the sixth round. Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer received 12% support.

Alison Hirsh, Lander's campaign manager, celebrated the poll results, positioning Lander as the strongest challenger to Cuomo. The campaign emphasized Lander's grassroots support and political coalition as key advantages in the race against the former governor.

Cuomo's potential entry into the mayoral race remains uncertain, with the filing deadline set between February 25 and April 3. Should he decide to run, the poll suggests he would be well-positioned to secure victory.

Current landscape shapes upcoming mayoral election

The extensive poll findings paint a grim picture for Adams's reelection prospects. An overwhelming 85% of respondents opposed his reelection, while 64% criticized his close ties to Trump. Adams's unfavorability rating of 83% surprisingly exceeded Trump's 81% in the city.

The mayor's potential pardon from Trump, coupled with his ongoing corruption case scheduled for trial in April, could further complicate his campaign. According to Honan, Democratic primary voters may view any intervention by Trump in Adams's legal troubles as politically toxic.

These developments suggest a significant shift in New York City's political landscape, where anti-Trump sentiment could reshape the Democratic primary and potentially end Adams's tenure as mayor. The final outcome may ultimately depend on Cuomo's decision to enter the race and the continued mobilization of progressive voters against perceived Trump allies.

About Victor Winston

Victor is a freelance writer and researcher who focuses on national politics, geopolitics, and economics.
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