Left-wing Democrats challenging Mayor Adams in the June 24 primary are using Hizzoner’s get-out-of-jail-free card from the Trump administration as bait to reel in campaign cash and other support.
Campaigns for Comptroller Brad Lander, ex-Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie and other lefty candidates fired off emails, texts and social media posts trying to drum up support from President Trump-hating New Yorkers within days after the U.S. Department of Justice ordered federal prosecutors Monday to drop Adams’ bribery case.
“While Trump’s DOJ has the power to drop these charges, New Yorkers — not the president — have the power to pick a new mayor and give the greatest city in the world a fresh start,” read a Tuesday email by Stringer’s campaign.
Lefty candidates in other political races are also using the same playbook, including southern Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan, a former Adams ally-turned-foe running for comptroller.
“Eric Adams is getting his charges dismissed. He went to Trump, kissed the ring, and New Yorkers will suffer for it,” claimed a text blast Tuesday.
Jon Paul Lupo, a longtime Democratic consultant whose clients include Brannan, said showcasing the Republican president cutting Adams a “break” is a layup for left-wing NYC candidates.
“It’s like red meat for any Democrat in the city right now,” he said.
Adams biggest obstacle to winning a second term is former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is mulling running in the Democratic mayoral primary and is the leader in recent polls. Cuomo, however, has remained mum on his intentions since the DOJ’s announcement.
Adams isn’t without options if he feels Dems are turning their back him: he’s considering a return to the Republican Party.
Adams’ campaign reps did not return messages.
