By John Colman, Senior Reporter, The Midtown Times | Article Published on February 14, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP. According to GOP officials and sources close to the mayor, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently discussed the feasibility of competing in the Republican primary as part of his reelection strategy. While Adams has publicly …
Eric Adams Considers Unconventional Paths Amid Bid for Second Term
By John Colman,
Senior Reporter, The Midtown Times | Article Published on February 14, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP.
According to GOP officials and sources close to the mayor, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently discussed the feasibility of competing in the Republican primary as part of his reelection strategy. While Adams has publicly insisted he will remain a Democratic candidate, behind-the-scenes talks revealed deliberations about switching parties or obtaining a rare waiver to run in both Democratic and Republican primaries.
The mayor’s exploration gained momentum following the dismissal of federal corruption charges against him by the Justice Department under President Trump. Adams reportedly contacted Bronx GOP Chair Mike Rendino this week to discuss pathways to a Republican nomination, including formally joining the party or securing a Wilson-Pakula certificate—a legal provision permitting non-members to run on a party’s ballot line. Rendino confirmed Adams’ inquiries but stressed that no commitments were made.
Adams’ campaign reiterated his Democratic allegiance on Wednesday, announcing plans to collect signatures for the Democratic primary ballot. “I am not running as a Republican,” Adams stated firmly. Yet his political maneuvering underscores the precariousness of his reelection bid, with deadlines looming and strategies still in flux. New York’s electoral rules require party affiliation changes by Friday, adding pressure as rivals in both parties vie for support.
The mayor’s ties to Trump have drawn scrutiny. Adams, a former Republican turned centrist Democrat, has cultivated a relationship with the ex-president, visiting him in Florida and avoiding public criticism. The Justice Department’s abrupt dismissal of charges against Adams—a decision announced under Trump—has fueled speculation about political influence, though no direct link has been established.
Polls highlight Adams’ struggles within his party. Recent surveys show that he polled below 10% of Democratic primary voters, with many disillusioned by his leadership. His outreach to Republicans, meanwhile, faces skepticism. GOP leaders, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, dismissed his alignment with party values, while Bronx Republicans criticized his handling of migrant shelters.
Though Adams’ team has floated running as an independent or on multiple party lines—a tactic used successfully by Michael Bloomberg in 2009—the Republican route poses hurdles. Securing a Wilson-Pakula certificate would require backing from three of the city’s five GOP borough chairs, a dim prospect. Brooklyn and Queens GOP leaders confirmed no contact with Adams, and Staten Island and Brooklyn have already endorsed Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder and Adams’ 2021 opponent.
Trump’s potential endorsement looms as a wild card. Sliwa acknowledged that GOP leaders might pivot to Adams if the former president pressures them. However, Adams would still need thousands of Republican voter signatures to qualify—a steep challenge given his policy clashes with the party’s base.
As deadlines approach, Adams’ next steps remain unclear. While insiders suggest a Republican bid is not off the table, his path is fraught with obstacles, reflecting broader tensions in a city where his centrist brand struggles to resonate in an increasingly polarized landscape.
By John Colman,
Senior Reporter, The Midtown Times | Article Published on February 13, 2024 | Photo Credit: AP
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