Eric Adams Confronts Another Progressive Opponent Amid Escalating Legal Issues
State Sen. Jessica Ramos from Queens, known for her public disputes with AOC, is embarking on an ambitious campaign to run for mayor of New York City.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — State Sen. Jessica Ramos has declared her candidacy for the position of New York City's mayor, positioning herself as a formidable Democratic opponent to the increasingly vulnerable incumbent, Eric Adams.
Ramos, a progressive figure from Queens, has not shied away from criticizing the current mayor, whose administration is currently caught up in federal investigations. Despite her evident prowess in media and politics, Ramos confronts significant challenges in campaign viability, having neither substantial name recognition nor funds in her city campaign account. In contrast, fellow candidates such as Comptroller Brad Lander and former Comptroller Scott Stringer have previously succeeded in citywide elections and have been actively fundraising for several months.
Ramos has expressed that her leadership would represent a significant shift from Mayor Adams, who is known for his centrist Democratic stance. “You’re not going to find me at Zero Bond,” she said. “You’re not going to find me doing any shenanigans. You’ll find me on the street, talking to New Yorkers. You’ll find me in City Hall in meetings with agencies. And making sure that I am recruiting and hiring the top talent of New York City and trusting them to do their job.”
Her campaign kick-off is set to begin with a video release on Friday followed by a rally near City Hall on Saturday. She officially opened her campaign account on Wednesday.
Discussing her motivations for running, Ramos reflected on the recent governmental dysfunction. “The city overwhelmingly is in desperate need to feel faith in their institutions again,” she explained, emphasizing the necessity for governmental reliability notwithstanding recent scandals.
If elected, Ramos would be groundbreaking as the first woman, Latina, and mother to hold the office of mayor. Her background includes her Colombian heritage, with her parents having migrated undocumented to the U.S. Moreover, she would be the first mayor born in Queens since the 1800s.
Ramos has been notably vocal in her disagreements with fellow Democrat, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, especially concerning Ocasio-Cortez's engagement in their mutual Western Queens area. Reflecting on their current relationship, Ramos remarked, “I wouldn’t say so,” and pointed out the lack of a district office in Queens by Ocasio-Cortez.
The senator's interpersonal relationships with other New York progressives have also been fraught with tension. This was highlighted when Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, who represents the same district as Ramos, recently shared a photo socializing with mayoral competitor Zellnor Myrie.
Ramos, who started her political career as a communications aide to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, emphasizes her dedication and assertive legislative approach. “I feel like every politician is divisive by definition. Some people vote for you, and some people don’t,” she stated, discussing her approach in office.
Renowned for her leadership of the influential Labor Committee, Ramos has been instrumental in legislation aimed at improving labor conditions, such as efforts to increase the minimum wage, extend pandemic-era benefits to undocumented workers, and prohibit employer-mandated anti-union meetings.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Ramos, a progressive figure from Queens, has not shied away from criticizing the current mayor, whose administration is currently caught up in federal investigations. Despite her evident prowess in media and politics, Ramos confronts significant challenges in campaign viability, having neither substantial name recognition nor funds in her city campaign account. In contrast, fellow candidates such as Comptroller Brad Lander and former Comptroller Scott Stringer have previously succeeded in citywide elections and have been actively fundraising for several months.
Ramos has expressed that her leadership would represent a significant shift from Mayor Adams, who is known for his centrist Democratic stance. “You’re not going to find me at Zero Bond,” she said. “You’re not going to find me doing any shenanigans. You’ll find me on the street, talking to New Yorkers. You’ll find me in City Hall in meetings with agencies. And making sure that I am recruiting and hiring the top talent of New York City and trusting them to do their job.”
Her campaign kick-off is set to begin with a video release on Friday followed by a rally near City Hall on Saturday. She officially opened her campaign account on Wednesday.
Discussing her motivations for running, Ramos reflected on the recent governmental dysfunction. “The city overwhelmingly is in desperate need to feel faith in their institutions again,” she explained, emphasizing the necessity for governmental reliability notwithstanding recent scandals.
If elected, Ramos would be groundbreaking as the first woman, Latina, and mother to hold the office of mayor. Her background includes her Colombian heritage, with her parents having migrated undocumented to the U.S. Moreover, she would be the first mayor born in Queens since the 1800s.
Ramos has been notably vocal in her disagreements with fellow Democrat, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, especially concerning Ocasio-Cortez's engagement in their mutual Western Queens area. Reflecting on their current relationship, Ramos remarked, “I wouldn’t say so,” and pointed out the lack of a district office in Queens by Ocasio-Cortez.
The senator's interpersonal relationships with other New York progressives have also been fraught with tension. This was highlighted when Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, who represents the same district as Ramos, recently shared a photo socializing with mayoral competitor Zellnor Myrie.
Ramos, who started her political career as a communications aide to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, emphasizes her dedication and assertive legislative approach. “I feel like every politician is divisive by definition. Some people vote for you, and some people don’t,” she stated, discussing her approach in office.
Renowned for her leadership of the influential Labor Committee, Ramos has been instrumental in legislation aimed at improving labor conditions, such as efforts to increase the minimum wage, extend pandemic-era benefits to undocumented workers, and prohibit employer-mandated anti-union meetings.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
