The Battle for the Democratic Nomination in NYC

NEW YORK CITY—This year, ten candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination as the primary elections set for June 24 draw near. Expect a surge in campaign activities as they challenge incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who narrowly defeated Kathryn Garcia in the 2021 primary.

In the general election, Adams secured a substantial win against Republican Curtis Sliwa, garnering 67 percent of the vote compared to Sliwa’s 27 percent.

A few prominent issues in this election cycle include affordable housing, improved education, and public safety.

Eric Adams

Prior to his mayoralty, Adams served as the Brooklyn Borough President, a New York state senator, and a police officer. His 2021 campaign emphasized public safety and crime reduction, highlighting his intent to reform the New York Police Department while maintaining its strength, countering the progressive Defund the Police narrative prevalent at that time.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, Adams has maintained low approval ratings since at least 2023. In 2024, he faced investigations and indictments alleging bribery linked to Turkish officials during his tenure as Brooklyn Borough President, as well as accepting straw donations during his 2021 campaign—claims Adams has denied. The March 5 Quinnipiac Poll reflects his 20 percent approval rating.

Adams’ campaign website features just one quote: “No one will fight harder for you than me—because I grew up in a working family like yours. That is why I am working every day to make New York a safer, more affordable place.”

Adams asserts that he offers proven leadership capabilities that distinguish him from other candidates.

Andrew Cuomo

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Andrew Cuomo has an extensive background in public service, having served as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1997 to 2001, New York Attorney General from 2007 to 2010, and Governor from 2011 to 2021.

In 2021, Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, claiming he wanted to prevent distractions for his administration’s COVID recovery efforts. He denied any intentional misconduct, asserting that his behavior may have been misunderstood.

His response to the COVID-19 pandemic received considerable criticism, especially regarding the alleged cover-up of nursing home death statistics. Cuomo acknowledged shortcomings in transparency surrounding the deaths in those facilities.

Cuomo’s main campaign issues comprise affordable housing, public safety, subway safety, a clean and healthy environment, addressing homelessness and mental health challenges, and combating anti-Semitism.

Michael Blake

Rev. Michael Blake, a former aide in the Obama White House and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2017 to 2021, has previously made unsuccessful bids for Congress and New York City’s Public Advocate.

His campaign focuses on strengthening the economy, enhancing care and education, providing affordable housing, and improving community welfare. His proposals include guaranteed jobs and guaranteed income for New Yorkers.

Brad Lander

Brad Lander is currently the NYC Comptroller and served on the city council from 2010 to 2021. Known for his progressive stance, he received endorsements from notable politicians such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren during his 2021 Comptroller campaign.

Lander has been outspoken against current mayor Eric Adams, frequently attending protests and rallies to advocate for changes in Adams’ budget proposals.

Lander aims to lead with a focus on safety, affordability, and unity among New Yorkers.

Zohran Mamdani

Campaigning under his first name, Zohran Mamdani has represented his constituents as an NY Assemblymember since 2021. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he has roots in Uganda.

Zohran’s campaign advocates for freezing rent for stabilized apartments, enhancing public transportation, providing free childcare, establishing city-owned grocery stores, enforcing landlord responsibility for safe housing, and raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour.

He also promotes progressive ideas, expressing his commitment to ending “mass incarceration in New York” and advocating for restorative justice in lieu of prison construction.

Zellnor Myrie

Zellnor Myrie, campaigning under his first name, has served as a New York state senator for the Albany-Saratoga region since 2019.

His legislative record includes support for abortion rights, climate change regulations, and gun control measures in Albany.

Zellnor’s campaign website details his achievements in the State Capitol, with a clear focus on making New York City more affordable and livable.

Jessica Ramos

Jessica Ramos has served as a New York state senator for the Upper Manhattan region since 2019, acting as a key liaison to Spanish-language media due to her Colombian immigrant background.

Ramos has worked to raise the minimum wage, eliminate exploitative practices, and support labor unions.

Her campaign priorities include ensuring affordable housing for all New Yorkers, promoting clean energy, establishing universal Pre-K, and enhancing public transit.

Scott Stringer

Scott Stringer previously held positions as the Manhattan Borough President, a New York assembly member, and served as New York City Comptroller from 2014 to 2021.

Stringer’s 2021 mayoral campaign concluded following allegations of sexual harassment by a former intern, which he has denied, subsequently suing his accuser for defamation.

His administrative goals include enhancing public safety, eliminating corruption in City Hall through increased transparency, implementing a new sanitation strategy, and establishing a $1 billion “Very Rainy Day Fund.”

Whitney Tilson

Whitney Tilson campaigns using his first name. Having run a hedge fund for 18 years, he has been a supporter of prominent Democratic figures such as Obama and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Tilson has called for President Joe Biden to withdraw as the Democratic nominee following Biden’s 2024 debate with Donald Trump and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. He is also a co-founder of “Teach for America,” an initiative dedicated to placing promising educators in underserved areas.

Tilson presents himself as a trusted, competent pro-business Democrat. He aims to rejuvenate the economy, address affordability issues, reduce crime by 50 percent, eradicate street homelessness, and reform public education.

Adrienne Adams

Adrienne Adams, who is not related to Eric Adams, is the newest entrant in the race. Formerly a city councilor, she has held the position of council speaker since 2022 and is working to catch up in fundraising and name recognition in a tight four-month timeline.

As a vocal critic of Mayor Adams in City Hall, her candidacy was spurred by encouragement from various public figures, notably NY Attorney General Letitia James. Adams’ campaign statement highlighted her motivation: “Somebody has to be the voice of the soul of the city.”