Adams' defense starts to take shape – one day following the revelation of recent FBI raids
Candidates opposing the mayor of New York City are considering their strategies.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Supporters of Mayor Eric Adams were gearing up for a major campaign kickoff at Gracie Mansion, his official residence, scheduled for next weekend.
However, on Friday, those who had volunteered for his previous campaign received an email announcing unexpected changes: “Apologies for the inconvenience but Saturday, September 14th’s event has been POSTPONED.”
The decision to postpone comes shortly after reports surfaced that federal agents executed search warrants on several of Adams’ top aides, including first deputy mayor Sheena Wright and NYPD commissioner Edward Caban.
The FBI’s involvement indicates two separate investigations into alleged attempts to leverage government connections for financial gain, according to NBC New York. This brings the total number of federal probes involving Adams’ inner circle to at least four, adding pressure to his reelection campaign during an already tumultuous period.
In light of these developments, potential mayoral candidates, including Adams himself, are strategizing their responses in real-time.
Adams’ team is acutely aware of the implications these investigations carry. “It’s clear as day you don’t want what happened [Thursday] to happen when you’re heading into reelection,” a source close to his political operation remarked to PMG.
Nonetheless, Adams is attempting to portray continuity at City Hall, downplaying the gravity of the situation. “As a former law enforcement person, the goal is to follow the law,” he told reporters Thursday. “Whatever information that’s needed, we’re going to turn it over, and I’m going to continue to be the mayor of the City of New York, the greatest city on the globe.”
The necessity for him to assure the public of his ongoing leadership underscores a significant shift from the optimism following his 2021 election. Once considered a prominent voice for moderate Democrats, Adams had positioned himself as "the Biden of Brooklyn" but has faced increasing scrutiny and challenges throughout his tenure.
Now, two and a half years into his administration and after expressing concerns over President Biden’s handling of the migrant crisis, Adams finds himself deliberating whether to label the Justice Department’s actions as politically motivated.
From the onset of the investigations, there has been caution on the part of Adams’ camp not to vocalize accusations of political targeting—possibly racial in nature—allowing others to make such claims instead.
City Hall adhered to this strategy on Friday, prompting reporters to consult community leader Bishop Mitchell Taylor for comment. “Because he’s a Black man, he’s being berated. This is racially infused,” Taylor stated. “Have you ever seen this before? I haven’t.”
Adams holds the distinction of being the city’s second Black mayor, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, who is leading the investigation, is also Black.
Acknowledging this dynamic, Taylor advocated for more transparency from federal prosecutors regarding the investigations. “There’s instruments being hit, cymbals and drums but you’re not producing a chorus,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for clarity instead of confusion surrounding the actions being taken.
Governor David Paterson, who has frequently defended Adams, raised questions about whether the investigations were retaliatory actions by the Justice Department in response to the mayor's criticisms of the administration’s migrant policy. Though he offered the theory in an interview without evidence, Adams did not contradict it. “I would hope that none of what’s taking place is attributed to me fighting on behalf of the city,” he said. “That’s what I was elected to do.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a loyal ally who leads the Brooklyn Democratic Party, echoed similar sentiments. She shared that a constituent recently asked her, “why is the federal government harassing these Black folks?” without attributing this perspective directly to herself.
In her statement to PMG, Bichotte Hermelyn reflected Adams' sentiment that voters are focused on his successes, discussing the current situation as merely an inquiry by thorough federal investigators.
The investigations have sparked backlash from various political factions. Activists from New York Communities for Change are insisting on Adams’ resignation, while the conservative New York Post editorial board has called for Police Commissioner Edward Caban to step down. Notably, both Democratic City Council members Lincoln Restler and Bob Holden, representing the progressive and conservative wings respectively, concur on this point.
Adams faces reelection in 2025, and candidates eyeing a challenge to his position are seizing upon the unfolding situation. “If he’s not distracted by all this, he’s delusional, and if this is what his focus looks like, he needs new lenses,” former City Comptroller Scott Stringer stated, referencing one of Adams’ mantras: “stay focused, no distractions and grind.”
Comptroller Brad Lander, another potential opponent, echoed similar criticisms in a post on X, noting, “Amidst an unending stream of stories about the Adams Administration being raided and investigated by federal law enforcement, it is clear that New Yorkers are not getting the steady leadership we deserve.”
Both Bichotte Hermelyn and Taylor separately chided Adams' challengers for prematurely drawing conclusions about the investigations.
In a more measured approach, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, the leading Black challenger to Adams, has opted to avoid direct criticism of the mayor. In a fundraising email, he acknowledged the headlines surrounding City Hall but redirected focus to his work on free afterschool programs for students.
This method may prove to be an advantageous political strategy, particularly with ranked-choice voting set to be implemented in next year’s Democratic primary. Myrie, who represents the same Central Brooklyn state Senate district that Adams once held, may aim to broaden his support base by not antagonizing Adams’ constituents.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, rumored to be considering a run if Adams’ political standing deteriorates, will likely need to appeal to the loyal base of Black voters that supports Adams if he intends to be successful.
Cuomo has yet to publicly address the recent developments and may choose not to harshly criticize Adams, given his own allegations of political persecution related to his sexual harassment investigations.
At present, Adams benefits from the ambiguity surrounding the details shared by law enforcement, according to a political consultant who opposed him in 2021. “If the election were tomorrow, Adams would win because his challengers haven’t made a good case yet,” the consultant asserted.
“He could also use the narrative: I’m a Black man, they’re coming after me — the powers that be,” the consultant added. “This has been going on a long time, I’m innocent, I haven’t been accused of anything.”
Emily Ngo contributed to this report.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
However, on Friday, those who had volunteered for his previous campaign received an email announcing unexpected changes: “Apologies for the inconvenience but Saturday, September 14th’s event has been POSTPONED.”
The decision to postpone comes shortly after reports surfaced that federal agents executed search warrants on several of Adams’ top aides, including first deputy mayor Sheena Wright and NYPD commissioner Edward Caban.
The FBI’s involvement indicates two separate investigations into alleged attempts to leverage government connections for financial gain, according to NBC New York. This brings the total number of federal probes involving Adams’ inner circle to at least four, adding pressure to his reelection campaign during an already tumultuous period.
In light of these developments, potential mayoral candidates, including Adams himself, are strategizing their responses in real-time.
Adams’ team is acutely aware of the implications these investigations carry. “It’s clear as day you don’t want what happened [Thursday] to happen when you’re heading into reelection,” a source close to his political operation remarked to PMG.
Nonetheless, Adams is attempting to portray continuity at City Hall, downplaying the gravity of the situation. “As a former law enforcement person, the goal is to follow the law,” he told reporters Thursday. “Whatever information that’s needed, we’re going to turn it over, and I’m going to continue to be the mayor of the City of New York, the greatest city on the globe.”
The necessity for him to assure the public of his ongoing leadership underscores a significant shift from the optimism following his 2021 election. Once considered a prominent voice for moderate Democrats, Adams had positioned himself as "the Biden of Brooklyn" but has faced increasing scrutiny and challenges throughout his tenure.
Now, two and a half years into his administration and after expressing concerns over President Biden’s handling of the migrant crisis, Adams finds himself deliberating whether to label the Justice Department’s actions as politically motivated.
From the onset of the investigations, there has been caution on the part of Adams’ camp not to vocalize accusations of political targeting—possibly racial in nature—allowing others to make such claims instead.
City Hall adhered to this strategy on Friday, prompting reporters to consult community leader Bishop Mitchell Taylor for comment. “Because he’s a Black man, he’s being berated. This is racially infused,” Taylor stated. “Have you ever seen this before? I haven’t.”
Adams holds the distinction of being the city’s second Black mayor, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, who is leading the investigation, is also Black.
Acknowledging this dynamic, Taylor advocated for more transparency from federal prosecutors regarding the investigations. “There’s instruments being hit, cymbals and drums but you’re not producing a chorus,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for clarity instead of confusion surrounding the actions being taken.
Governor David Paterson, who has frequently defended Adams, raised questions about whether the investigations were retaliatory actions by the Justice Department in response to the mayor's criticisms of the administration’s migrant policy. Though he offered the theory in an interview without evidence, Adams did not contradict it. “I would hope that none of what’s taking place is attributed to me fighting on behalf of the city,” he said. “That’s what I was elected to do.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a loyal ally who leads the Brooklyn Democratic Party, echoed similar sentiments. She shared that a constituent recently asked her, “why is the federal government harassing these Black folks?” without attributing this perspective directly to herself.
In her statement to PMG, Bichotte Hermelyn reflected Adams' sentiment that voters are focused on his successes, discussing the current situation as merely an inquiry by thorough federal investigators.
The investigations have sparked backlash from various political factions. Activists from New York Communities for Change are insisting on Adams’ resignation, while the conservative New York Post editorial board has called for Police Commissioner Edward Caban to step down. Notably, both Democratic City Council members Lincoln Restler and Bob Holden, representing the progressive and conservative wings respectively, concur on this point.
Adams faces reelection in 2025, and candidates eyeing a challenge to his position are seizing upon the unfolding situation. “If he’s not distracted by all this, he’s delusional, and if this is what his focus looks like, he needs new lenses,” former City Comptroller Scott Stringer stated, referencing one of Adams’ mantras: “stay focused, no distractions and grind.”
Comptroller Brad Lander, another potential opponent, echoed similar criticisms in a post on X, noting, “Amidst an unending stream of stories about the Adams Administration being raided and investigated by federal law enforcement, it is clear that New Yorkers are not getting the steady leadership we deserve.”
Both Bichotte Hermelyn and Taylor separately chided Adams' challengers for prematurely drawing conclusions about the investigations.
In a more measured approach, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, the leading Black challenger to Adams, has opted to avoid direct criticism of the mayor. In a fundraising email, he acknowledged the headlines surrounding City Hall but redirected focus to his work on free afterschool programs for students.
This method may prove to be an advantageous political strategy, particularly with ranked-choice voting set to be implemented in next year’s Democratic primary. Myrie, who represents the same Central Brooklyn state Senate district that Adams once held, may aim to broaden his support base by not antagonizing Adams’ constituents.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, rumored to be considering a run if Adams’ political standing deteriorates, will likely need to appeal to the loyal base of Black voters that supports Adams if he intends to be successful.
Cuomo has yet to publicly address the recent developments and may choose not to harshly criticize Adams, given his own allegations of political persecution related to his sexual harassment investigations.
At present, Adams benefits from the ambiguity surrounding the details shared by law enforcement, according to a political consultant who opposed him in 2021. “If the election were tomorrow, Adams would win because his challengers haven’t made a good case yet,” the consultant asserted.
“He could also use the narrative: I’m a Black man, they’re coming after me — the powers that be,” the consultant added. “This has been going on a long time, I’m innocent, I haven’t been accused of anything.”
Emily Ngo contributed to this report.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
