In recent developments within New York City’s political landscape, State Attorney General Letitia James is reportedly encouraging City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to consider a run for mayor. This move appears to be aimed at preventing former Governor Andrew Cuomo from making a comeback in the race for City Hall.
A Democratic official shared insights into James’ intentions, stating, “I spoke to Tish. She’s putting out feelers for Adrienne Adams.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among Democrats who believe that Cuomo, despite his past controversies, has the potential to regain significant support in the upcoming elections. According to the anonymous source, “People are looking for an alternative to Cuomo. None of the current candidates are capable of beating Cuomo.”
The notion of Adrienne Adams as a viable candidate gained traction during a recent event in Albany organized by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Caucus. It was there that James met with Adams to discuss her potential candidacy, signaling a growing divide within the party regarding their former leader.
It’s no secret that James and Cuomo have not seen eye to eye, especially after the Attorney General played a crucial role in the investigation that ultimately led to Cuomo’s resignation in 2021, following numerous allegations of sexual harassment. Now, with Cuomo hinting at a possible run, James seeks to position Adams as a fresh face in the political arena.
Adams has publicly called for current Mayor Eric Adams to resign amidst various controversies surrounding his administration, thus highlighting her assertive stance on leadership within the city. The embattled mayor, who is unrelated to the council speaker, insists that he plans to run for re-election despite increasing pressure to step down.
Political analysts suggest that a challenge from Adrienne Adams could potentially split Cuomo’s support, particularly among the black community, where she holds considerable influence. As one elected official put it, “If it’s not Eric, it’s Cuomo,” which underscores the close competitive nature of the upcoming race.
While conversations surrounding Cuomo’s candidacy are heating up, veteran Assemblywoman Vivian Cook has expressed her loyalty to him, stating, “Of course I’m going to be with Andrew. I’ve known him since he was a young man.” This comes as a reminder of the deep connections and loyalties that remain within the New York Democratic party.
While James remains tight-lipped about her specific role in promoting Adams, several prominent figures, including former Mayor Bill de Blasio and civil rights activist Al Sharpton, have spoken positively about her potential candidacy. However, they too declined to provide further comments on the matter.
Adrienne Adams leads a council that many view as leaning to the left, particularly regarding criminal justice reforms. She has actively advocated for a police reporting bill that faced pushback from both the mayor and the NYPD, demonstrating her willingness to push progressive agendas. Given this background, some Democrats argue that while her candidacy would have made more sense months ago, the timing now may be too late as other candidates have already established themselves in the race.
The process for candidates to secure their positions on the ballot is set to begin soon, with designated petitions starting to circulate on February 25 and due by April 3. This timeline adds urgency for any potential candidates still contemplating their runs.
As for Adams, she has remained non-committal about her ambitions. In a prior interview, she stated, “As far as my future is concerned, I have a lot of options and I’m not saying no to nothing.” This reflects a strategic approach as she weighs her possibilities in a heated political environment.
Despite his past controversies, Andrew Cuomo seems to be rebuilding his political base, having received endorsements from groups such as the Staten Island Democratic Party. The landscape for the Democratic primary in June will feature a number of prominent candidates, but the entry of a strong contender like Adrienne Adams could reshape the dynamics quickly.
On the Republican front, Curtis Sliwa, who previously ran for mayor, is expected to seek the GOP nomination again. As both sides prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested election, one thing remains clear: New Yorkers are in for a dynamic political season ahead.
