Eric Adams Faces Growing Backlash from City Council, Progressives, and Prominent Democrats

Strategic Insights -

A growing chorus of dissatisfaction with Mayor Eric Adams has left him facing stronger pushback from the City Council and progressive leaders, while prominent Democrats are considering running for mayor. The Quinnipiac University poll conducted this week found that only 28% of New Yorkers approve of the job Mr. Adams is doing, the lowest for any New York City mayor in a Quinnipiac poll since it began surveying the city in 1996. The discontent surrounds Mr. Adams's handling of the migrant crisis, federal investigation into his campaign fund-raising, and budget cuts to city services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mayor Eric Adams faces federal investigation into his campaign fund-raising and criticism over his handling of the migrant crisis.
  • Only 28% of New Yorkers approve of the job Mr. Adams is doing, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll.
  • Prominent Democrats, including former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and former city comptroller Brad Lander, are considering running for mayor.
  • Mr. Adams's approval rating is the lowest for any New York City mayor in a Quinnipiac poll since it began surveying the city in 1996.
  • The City Council plans to override Mr. Adams's objection to banning solitary confinement in city jails, and may also vote to override his veto on a housing bill that expands a rental voucher program.
  • Former Gov. Cuomo has spoken to people about potentially running for mayor under the right circumstances, but only if Mr. Adams is no longer in the race.
  • Mr. Adams has faced criticism from his own allies, including Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who has called his budget cuts to city services "painful."
  • The mayor's aides have responded to the Quinnipiac poll by calling it "misleading" and sending out book blurb-like hosannas from allies.
  • City Council leaders are hoping to capitalize on Mr. Adams's weakened political position by pushing to raise taxes on the wealthy.

Statistics:

  • 28% of New Yorkers approve of the job Mr. Adams is doing, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll.
  • Mr. Adams's approval rating is the lowest for any New York City mayor in a Quinnipiac poll since it began surveying the city in 1996.
  • 22% of New Yorkers would support former Gov. Cuomo in a special election if Mr. Adams resigned, according to a poll commissioned by one political consulting firm.
  • 15% of New Yorkers would support public advocate Jumaane Williams in a special election, followed by former sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia at 12%.

Sources:

  • Quinnipiac University poll
  • "NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces growing backlash from City Council, progressives" by Nicholas Fandos (The New York Times)
  • "Mayor Adams's approval rating hits new low" by Sara Hylton (The New York Times)
  • "City Council leaders to hold hearing on Mayor Adams's budget cuts" by Jeenah Moon (The New York Times)