A socialist just won the Democrat Primary for New York City’s mayor’s mansion. But he’s got another battle on the way.
Because a rogue Democrat went nuclear to punch the young radical socialist right in the gut where it hurts.
New York Mayoral Race Heats Up as Adams Slams Mamdani’s Socialist Agenda
New York City’s mayoral race has taken a sharp turn as incumbent Mayor Eric Adams launched a fierce critique of his Democratic primary challenger, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, during an appearance on Fox Business’s “Kudlow” on Thursday. Adams, who announced his re-election campaign as an independent, painted Mamdani as an ineffective legislator with a radical agenda that threatens the city’s economic stability and public safety.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, stunned New York’s political establishment by clinching the Democratic primary on Tuesday, defeating expectations that former Governor Andrew Cuomo would secure the nomination. His victory has sparked concerns among moderates that the city’s Democratic Party is veering sharply left, with Mamdani’s platform of taxpayer-funded initiatives raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Adams wasted no time in highlighting Mamdani’s legislative track record—or lack thereof. “He’s an assemblyman. He didn’t do it when he was in Albany. He had the power to do many of the things he stated now after four years in Albany. He did not pass one bill. So either he doesn’t understand the role of a mayor or he’s intentionally misleading people who are looking for help around [the] affordability issue,” Adams said. While not entirely accurate—Mamdani has seen three bills signed into law—Adams’ point goes to show the challenger’s struggle to translate ambitious proposals into tangible results.
Mamdani’s legislative record in the New York State Assembly, where he has represented Queens’ 36th District since January 2021, has been a focal point of criticism. Despite introducing over 20 bills, only three have become law: the State Administrative Procedure Act (A6267), which promotes transparency in government rulemaking; the “Not on Our Dime!” Act (A6101), restricting state funding for organizations supporting Israeli settlements; and the “Fix the MTA Act” (A6044), which piloted fare-free bus services in New York City. Critics argue this modest output fails to justify Mamdani’s lofty campaign promises.
Adams also took aim at Mamdani’s ideological stance, particularly his push for policies like defunding the police and expanding taxpayer-funded programs. “Are we facing one who wants to defund our police or one who believes that law enforcement is a prerequisite to our prosperity? And one that understands that a healthy financial ecosystem includes bringing in large companies to hire everyday employees so that they could have a quality of life?” Adams asked on “Kudlow.” He expressed alarm at Mamdani’s “calls to give everything away free,” warning that such promises are unrealistic given the limited powers of a mayor.
Mamdani’s campaign has leaned heavily on progressive ideals, advocating for free public transportation, universal childcare, and city-operated grocery stores. These proposals, while popular among his base, have drawn skepticism for their feasibility. Adams seized on this, accusing Mamdani of peddling false hope. “Nothing is more troubling when people who are struggling are giving promises that individuals can’t live up to. Mayors don’t have the power to raise income taxes. That is, what is the basis of all the things he’s going to pay for? Assemblymen have that power,” Adams said, questioning how Mamdani plans to fund his agenda.
The challenger’s absenteeism in the Assembly has also come under fire. In 2025, Mamdani missed 50% of Assembly votes, the highest absentee rate among members. This statistic has fueled Adams’ narrative that Mamdani lacks the commitment needed to lead a city of 8.5 million people. Critics argue that his absence from key votes undermines his credibility as a leader capable of delivering on campaign promises.
Mamdani’s stance on international issues, particularly his vocal criticism of Israel, has further polarized voters. His “Not on Our Dime!” Act, which restricts funding for organizations tied to Israeli settlements, has drawn significant backlash. Addressing concerns about antisemitism during a conversation with Jen Psaki, Mamdani pledged to increase funding for hate crime programs by 800% to “root out” antisemitism. “My message is that I am looking to lead this entire city, to represent each and every New Yorker. And that representation is not contingent on whether or not someone votes for me or someone agrees with me, because the responsibility of a leader is to reach out to all eight and a half million people who call this city their home,” he said.
On Tuesday night, Mamdani outlined a vision for New York City as a progressive stronghold, declaring it a place “where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump’s fascism, to stop mass ICE agents from deporting our neighbors and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party.” This rhetoric, while energizing his supporters, has raised concerns about alienating moderate Democrats who prioritize pragmatism over ideological purity.
Adams, by contrast, has positioned himself as a practical leader focused on results. “I’m not interested in Twitter politics. I’m interested in getting the trash picked up. I’m not interested in slogans. I’m interested in the solutions. I don’t work with special interests. I work for the people,” he said on Thursday. His decision to run as an independent, following low approval ratings and dropped federal corruption charges, has been a long time coming following his attempts to distance himself from the Democratic Party’s leftward shift.
The incumbent mayor has also drawn a clear line on economic policy, emphasizing job creation over handouts. “This is a city not of socialism,” Adams declared, taking a swipe at Mamdani’s platform. “There’s no dignity in someone giving you everything for free. There’s dignity in giving you a job, so you can provide for your family and the opportunities that you deserve. This is not a city of handouts. This is a city of hands up.”
Mamdani’s primary win has undeniably shifted the city’s political landscape, galvanizing a new generation of voters through grassroots efforts and social media. His proposals—government-run grocery stores, fare-free transit, tuition-free city universities, rent freezes, and free childcare—appeal to those frustrated with New York’s affordability crisis. Yet, critics, including Adams, argue that these ideas lack a viable funding mechanism and risk destabilizing the city’s economy.
Adams didn’t mince words in his assessment of Mamdani’s campaign tactics. “He’s a snake-oil salesman,” he said on “Fox & Friends” Wednesday. “He would say and do anything to get elected.” This sharp rhetoric highlights the growing divide between the city’s moderate and progressive factions, with Adams casting himself as a defender of fiscal responsibility and public safety.
The mayor’s re-election announcement on the steps of City Hall was a show of strength, surrounded by union leaders and business partners. However, protesters across the park labeled him a “criminal,” a nod to his past legal troubles. Despite these challenges, Adams touted his first-term achievements, framing himself as a leader who delivers results over rhetoric.
Zohran Mamdani is campaigning on a platform with race-based policy.
This is racial discrimination.
Racial discrimination against white people is also discrimination.
You don’t end discrimination by changing who you discriminate against.
You end it by not discriminating. pic.twitter.com/yGGQvNh2KR
— Kaizen D. Asiedu (@thatsKAIZEN) June 27, 2025
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