Eric Adams Leaves Possibility Open of Changing Parties to GOP: 'Cancel me'
The mayor of New York City has been in conflict with national Democrats concerning immigration issues.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat known for his conciliatory approach towards President-elect Donald Trump, suggested the possibility of switching to the Republican Party during two interviews on Friday.
Adams, who was a Republican from 1995 to 2002, responded to a question on NY1 about his potential return to the GOP without ruling it out. “I’m a part of the American party,” he remarked. “I love this country.”
In a follow-up interview on PIX11, the mayor reiterated his stance regarding political affiliation. “No matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for American values,” he said, emphasizing the need for government officials to transcend party lines and work collaboratively to address issues facing voters.
His remarks come after a presidential campaign where Adams notably refrained from harsh criticism of Trump, unlike many of his Democrat counterparts. Additionally, since Trump became president, Adams has expressed admiration for Elon Musk, an ally of Trump who is aimed at enhancing government efficiency.
Next week, Adams plans to meet with Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, to discuss strategies for deporting undocumented immigrants, indicating his support for federal initiatives targeting undocumented individuals who have committed serious crimes.
Adams' favorable stance towards Trump has drawn ire from local Democrats, particularly in light of the federal criminal case that Adams faces, which could be influenced by the incoming president. Trump has already identified a nominee to replace the U.S. Attorney handling Adams' prosecution. Reports suggest that Trump might assist Adams regarding the case, potentially offering a pardon.
Both Adams and Trump have framed their legal challenges as politically motivated actions by the Justice Department, a sentiment echoed by President Joe Biden's remarks criticizing the justice system in relation to his son Hunter Biden's pardoning. Trump has expressed understanding of Adams’ situation.
This situation has raised concerns for Brooklyn Rep. Dan Goldman. “I am concerned that the Mayor may be letting his personal interests interfere with his job running the city,” Goldman stated. “New Yorkers deserve a mayor who is solely focused on running the city, not distracted by his criminal case.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, when asked about Adams' remarks regarding party affiliation, stated only that he would support the winner of next year’s Democratic primary for mayor.
Opponents in the race for Adams' reelection voiced sharper criticisms. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said, “At a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a Mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.” He stressed the importance of standing firm against Trump’s efforts to undermine progressive policies.
State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, one of the most left-leaning candidates in the race, suggested that Adams' comments imply his implicit support for Trump’s agenda. “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for re-election in a Democratic primary,” Mamdani said.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos, also contesting from the left, expressed her views online, stating: “I don’t mind Mayor Adams finally being honest about being a Republican, but then he should just run as one and let the Democrats pick a real leader.”
City Comptroller Brad Lander, a prominent figure on New York’s left, succinctly said, “[For whatever it’s worth], I have ruled out switching to the Republican Party.”
When asked on Friday about his plans to seek reelection next year as a Democrat, Adams gave a straightforward response: “That is what I’m proposing to do. I’ve been a Democrat for many years and I’m going to run for my reelection as a Democrat.”
He concluded with a challenge to critics: “Those who don’t like it, they will cancel me. I say: Cancel me. I’m for America.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
Adams, who was a Republican from 1995 to 2002, responded to a question on NY1 about his potential return to the GOP without ruling it out. “I’m a part of the American party,” he remarked. “I love this country.”
In a follow-up interview on PIX11, the mayor reiterated his stance regarding political affiliation. “No matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for American values,” he said, emphasizing the need for government officials to transcend party lines and work collaboratively to address issues facing voters.
His remarks come after a presidential campaign where Adams notably refrained from harsh criticism of Trump, unlike many of his Democrat counterparts. Additionally, since Trump became president, Adams has expressed admiration for Elon Musk, an ally of Trump who is aimed at enhancing government efficiency.
Next week, Adams plans to meet with Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, to discuss strategies for deporting undocumented immigrants, indicating his support for federal initiatives targeting undocumented individuals who have committed serious crimes.
Adams' favorable stance towards Trump has drawn ire from local Democrats, particularly in light of the federal criminal case that Adams faces, which could be influenced by the incoming president. Trump has already identified a nominee to replace the U.S. Attorney handling Adams' prosecution. Reports suggest that Trump might assist Adams regarding the case, potentially offering a pardon.
Both Adams and Trump have framed their legal challenges as politically motivated actions by the Justice Department, a sentiment echoed by President Joe Biden's remarks criticizing the justice system in relation to his son Hunter Biden's pardoning. Trump has expressed understanding of Adams’ situation.
This situation has raised concerns for Brooklyn Rep. Dan Goldman. “I am concerned that the Mayor may be letting his personal interests interfere with his job running the city,” Goldman stated. “New Yorkers deserve a mayor who is solely focused on running the city, not distracted by his criminal case.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, when asked about Adams' remarks regarding party affiliation, stated only that he would support the winner of next year’s Democratic primary for mayor.
Opponents in the race for Adams' reelection voiced sharper criticisms. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said, “At a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a Mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.” He stressed the importance of standing firm against Trump’s efforts to undermine progressive policies.
State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, one of the most left-leaning candidates in the race, suggested that Adams' comments imply his implicit support for Trump’s agenda. “Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for re-election in a Democratic primary,” Mamdani said.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos, also contesting from the left, expressed her views online, stating: “I don’t mind Mayor Adams finally being honest about being a Republican, but then he should just run as one and let the Democrats pick a real leader.”
City Comptroller Brad Lander, a prominent figure on New York’s left, succinctly said, “[For whatever it’s worth], I have ruled out switching to the Republican Party.”
When asked on Friday about his plans to seek reelection next year as a Democrat, Adams gave a straightforward response: “That is what I’m proposing to do. I’ve been a Democrat for many years and I’m going to run for my reelection as a Democrat.”
He concluded with a challenge to critics: “Those who don’t like it, they will cancel me. I say: Cancel me. I’m for America.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
