Eric Adams Stands Alone as the Mayor's Race Begins
The Democratic incumbent is struggling with a weakened operation as he confronts challenges to his political future.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Eric Adams finds himself in a peculiar and isolating situation: the incumbent mayor of the largest city in the United States is campaigning for reelection with a minimal campaign team and some of his closest aides are distancing themselves as his federal corruption case progresses.
Adams stated that his team would start gathering signatures to secure a spot on the ballot beginning Tuesday, as he faces challengers in a Democratic primary that former Governor Andrew Cuomo is preparing to enter.
Despite this, the mayor seems to lack a robust campaign structure and has been denied over $4 million in public matching funds, positioning him unfavorably as the primary begins with petitioning efforts.
“Yes, I’m running,” he told one reporter during a comprehensive press conference on Monday when asked about his intentions to remain in office. “Petitions will be in the streets. So please, if you see one with my name on it, please sign it.”
He assured another reporter that a campaign website will be established, although it is not yet operational just four months shy of the primary.
Questions remain regarding who will oversee his campaign, who will serve as his general consultant, and who will create his advertisements and mailings.
Two trusted advisers who have been part of his political journey since his successful 2021 campaign — Evan Thies of Pythia Public Affairs and Nathan Smith of Red Horse Strategies — chose not to comment on their current roles in the reelection efforts. Thies was responsible for managing press relations four years ago and has offered ongoing advice on public policy and politics. Smith, a long-time associate of Adams, is a founding partner of one of New York's leading political consulting firms.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, another of Adams’ longest-serving aides, also declined to comment on her involvement in his reelection bid. She has distanced herself from his immediate circle as she contends with corruption charges filed by the Manhattan district attorney. Over the years, Lewis-Martin has played a crucial role in maintaining Adams’ connections with his base of religious Black voters.
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a staunch defender of Adams amidst calls for his resignation, did not respond to multiple inquiries regarding her role in his campaign. Although she endorsed him and participated in his 2021 race, the Brooklyn Democratic Party that she leads chose not to endorse him again.
Adams does have some staff support, including fundraiser Michael Giaccio from Bedford Grove, pollster Benjamin Tulchin from Tulchin Research, and campaign compliance attorney Vito Pitta. Despite the significant legal, financial, and political challenges he faces, Adams enjoys one advantage that others do not: the prominent position that comes with being the mayor of New York City.
Another long-time adviser, Frank Carone, expressed his continued support for the mayor, although he acknowledged close communication with the Cuomo camp. “I will fill any leadership role the mayor needs or asks including but not limited to providing counsel and brain trust to workshop ideas, being a sounding board and friend and fighting for when necessary!” Carone communicated in a message. He also mentioned that his former firm, Abrams Fensterman, will provide “election law support.”
Rivals have seized on the recent agreement between Adams’ attorneys and President Donald Trump’s Justice Department, in which charges of bribery were recommended to be dismissed in return for aid with Trump's immigration agenda. Though Adams and his lawyer, Alex Spiro, have denied any quid pro quo, several federal prosecutors alleged otherwise, resigning in protest of the arrangement.
Adams downplayed concerns about his insufficient campaign infrastructure as the election approaches. “I like to use a sports analogy. This is the season. The playoffs starts once petitions are actually completed,” he remarked on Monday, noting, “There’s a lot of time ‘til June.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Adams stated that his team would start gathering signatures to secure a spot on the ballot beginning Tuesday, as he faces challengers in a Democratic primary that former Governor Andrew Cuomo is preparing to enter.
Despite this, the mayor seems to lack a robust campaign structure and has been denied over $4 million in public matching funds, positioning him unfavorably as the primary begins with petitioning efforts.
“Yes, I’m running,” he told one reporter during a comprehensive press conference on Monday when asked about his intentions to remain in office. “Petitions will be in the streets. So please, if you see one with my name on it, please sign it.”
He assured another reporter that a campaign website will be established, although it is not yet operational just four months shy of the primary.
Questions remain regarding who will oversee his campaign, who will serve as his general consultant, and who will create his advertisements and mailings.
Two trusted advisers who have been part of his political journey since his successful 2021 campaign — Evan Thies of Pythia Public Affairs and Nathan Smith of Red Horse Strategies — chose not to comment on their current roles in the reelection efforts. Thies was responsible for managing press relations four years ago and has offered ongoing advice on public policy and politics. Smith, a long-time associate of Adams, is a founding partner of one of New York's leading political consulting firms.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, another of Adams’ longest-serving aides, also declined to comment on her involvement in his reelection bid. She has distanced herself from his immediate circle as she contends with corruption charges filed by the Manhattan district attorney. Over the years, Lewis-Martin has played a crucial role in maintaining Adams’ connections with his base of religious Black voters.
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a staunch defender of Adams amidst calls for his resignation, did not respond to multiple inquiries regarding her role in his campaign. Although she endorsed him and participated in his 2021 race, the Brooklyn Democratic Party that she leads chose not to endorse him again.
Adams does have some staff support, including fundraiser Michael Giaccio from Bedford Grove, pollster Benjamin Tulchin from Tulchin Research, and campaign compliance attorney Vito Pitta. Despite the significant legal, financial, and political challenges he faces, Adams enjoys one advantage that others do not: the prominent position that comes with being the mayor of New York City.
Another long-time adviser, Frank Carone, expressed his continued support for the mayor, although he acknowledged close communication with the Cuomo camp. “I will fill any leadership role the mayor needs or asks including but not limited to providing counsel and brain trust to workshop ideas, being a sounding board and friend and fighting for when necessary!” Carone communicated in a message. He also mentioned that his former firm, Abrams Fensterman, will provide “election law support.”
Rivals have seized on the recent agreement between Adams’ attorneys and President Donald Trump’s Justice Department, in which charges of bribery were recommended to be dismissed in return for aid with Trump's immigration agenda. Though Adams and his lawyer, Alex Spiro, have denied any quid pro quo, several federal prosecutors alleged otherwise, resigning in protest of the arrangement.
Adams downplayed concerns about his insufficient campaign infrastructure as the election approaches. “I like to use a sports analogy. This is the season. The playoffs starts once petitions are actually completed,” he remarked on Monday, noting, “There’s a lot of time ‘til June.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
