Mayor Adams’ Decision to Run as an Independent Sets the Stage for an Unpredictable Election Year

Mayor Eric Adams’ choice to bypass the June Democratic primary and launch an independent campaign for re-election may pave the way for an unpredictable general election—provided he can recover from his current low poll ratings.

The mayor intends to appeal directly to “all New Yorkers” with a focus on public safety; the coming weeks will reveal if he can reclaim his momentum, reminiscent of John Lindsay’s victorious third-party re-election bid in 1969.

Adams has a point when he states that it was “impossible to mount a primary campaign while these false accusations were held over me,” a statement made just before this week’s dismissal of the federal corruption charges.

In reality, the Democratic Party’s shift leftward on issues like illegal immigration, criminal justice, and public safety has left Adams stranded on “moderate island,” despite the fact that many in the city share his views.

By speaking out against the Biden administration’s open-borders policy that has inundated the city with thousands of “asylum seekers,” Adams prioritized people over party lines.

In advocating for reforms in bail, discovery, and other criminal justice policies that have fueled crime throughout the city, Adams prioritized the safety of New Yorkers over party loyalty.

And it came at a cost.

If freedom from party constraints allows the mayor to regain his footing, the election dynamics could shift dramatically.

The upcoming campaign may feature four significant candidates, as the far-left Working Families Party will likely consider fielding its own candidate, especially if Andrew Cuomo, his political foe, secures the Democratic primary victory.

Get ready for a thrilling ride.