Mayor Adams Unveils New Party for Reelection Run

Road signs for Democrats and Republicans directions

NYC Mayor Eric Adams shuns Democratic primary, creates independent “Safe Streets, Affordable City” party for his 2025 reelection bid, claiming abandonment by Democrats while affirming support for President Trump’s administration.

Key Takeaways

Mayor Eric Adams will bypass the Democratic primary and run for reelection as an independent under the “Safe Streets, Affordable City” banner.
Adams cited a dismissed corruption case and liberal criticism over his relationship with President Trump as reasons for his independent run.
The mayor faces a competitive five-way race potentially featuring Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, a Working Families Party candidate, and attorney Jim Walden.
Despite leaving the Democratic primary, Adams insists he remains a Democrat but believes New York needs “truly independent leadership.”
To appear on the ballot, Adams must collect 15,000 signatures by May while battling fundraising challenges and low approval ratings.

Breaking from Party Politics

Mayor Eric Adams has officially announced his intention to run for reelection as an independent, breaking from the Democratic primary process that would typically determine the party’s nominee. His new party, “Safe Streets, Affordable City,” reflects Adams’ campaign priorities while allowing him to circumvent what has become an increasingly contentious Democratic field. The decision comes after a federal judge dismissed a corruption case against Adams, removing a significant legal cloud that had hung over his administration.

Adams, who has positioned himself as a centrist throughout his political career, explained his rationale by emphasizing the need for leadership that isn’t beholden to ideological extremes. The mayor has a complex political history, having previously been registered as a Republican before his time as a Democratic borough president and mayor. His willingness to work with President Trump’s administration on immigration issues, including allowing federal officials access to Rikers Island, has strained his relationship with progressive Democrats.

A Democrat in Independent Clothing

Despite creating his own party for the ballot, Adams insists he remains a Democrat at heart. During a press conference announcing his decision, Adams emphasized that the move was about governance rather than abandoning his core values. The mayor’s political calculation appears aimed at appealing to middle-of-the-road voters who might feel alienated by partisan politics, particularly Black working- and middle-class residents in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as unaffiliated or conservative voters.

The mayor has been vocal about his satisfaction with his current role, dismissing speculation that he might be positioning himself for a job in the Trump administration. When asked about such possibilities, Adams was direct: “Why the heck would I leave the greatest mayor job on the globe? I’m happy where I am.” The statement underscores his commitment to finishing what he started in New York City, focusing on crime reduction and addressing affordability concerns.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams will skip the Democratic primary and run for reelection as an independent https://t.co/42dyDT9d2s

— WJTV 12 News (@WJTV) April 3, 2025

A Crowded and Competitive Race

Adams’ decision transforms the 2025 mayoral race into what could be a five-way contest. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo leads the Democratic primary field with strong polling numbers and fundraising success. Republican Curtis Sliwa, who lost to Adams in the last election, is expected to run again. The Working Families Party will likely field either Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani or Comptroller Brad Lander, while attorney Jim Walden has also entered the race.

“Those are the issues that are important to New Yorkers, They want a safe city, they want an affordable city, and I want them to know that is what I produce for them,” said Adams.

Critics have labeled Adams’ independent run as desperate and self-serving. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a potential Working Families Party candidate, stated: “Regardless of what party Adams flees to, New Yorkers deserve better than a self-interested, disgraced mayor who has and always will put his needs before their own.” State Senator Zellnor Myrie dismissed the entire situation as “a circus.” These critiques highlight the uphill battle Adams faces as he attempts to redefine his political identity.

Practical Challenges Ahead

For Adams to secure a place on the ballot, his new party must collect 15,000 valid signatures by May. This logistical hurdle comes as Adams has already faced challenges with campaign fundraising and was denied public matching funds due to recordkeeping issues. His approval ratings remain concerning, having dropped significantly since taking office. Nevertheless, the mayor has positioned himself as the candidate of accomplishment, contrasting himself with opponents he claims are “running from” their problematic records.

“I am running on my record, They’re running from bail reform. They’re running from the crisis that they created in homelessness. They’re running from what they have done in our educational system,” Adams said.

As the race progresses, Adams’ unconventional strategy will test whether New Yorkers are willing to embrace a mayor who stands apart from traditional party structures. By focusing on practical concerns like safety and affordability rather than party loyalty, Adams is betting that results matter more to voters than political affiliation. This approach reflects his pragmatic governing style and may represent the future of urban politics in an increasingly polarized national landscape.