NEW with @NoPowerGrabNYC: Eric Adams has already lost the trust of NYC voters, even before his indictment this week.
More than 2 in 3 NYC voters distrust Adams to run the city effectively and prioritize everyday New Yorkers’ needs over his own.https://t.co/LKsNY1R8vS pic.twitter.com/fu7xxPIyoO
— Data for Progress (@DataProgress) September 27, 2024
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a corruption scandal that could have far-reaching implications for Democrats in the upcoming November elections. Federal prosecutors have indicted Adams on charges of accepting free travel from Turkey and defrauding the city’s public campaign finance system of $10 million. The scandal has raised concerns among Democrats that it could hurt their chances of regaining control of the House of Representatives.
I wrote about my mayor. Looking forward to covering the trial! https://t.co/Xn8T6rsfW8
— Alex Press (@alexnpress) September 27, 2024
Six House races in suburban New York districts are considered competitive, and strategists worry that the negative perception of Democrat-controlled New York City, highlighted by issues like homelessness, migrant crime, and general chaos, could sway voters towards Republican candidates. Republican congressional candidates have already seized on the opportunity to criticize their Democratic opponents. Mike LiPetri, running against incumbent Tom Suozzi in Long Island’s District 3, called for a “fresh start” from “career politicians who only look out for themselves.” Rep.
This tweet was ordained by God, much like Adams’s mayoralty and Biden’s presidency https://t.co/qMgeQ1HoTn
— Samuel Moyn 🔭 (@samuelmoyn) September 27, 2024
Marc Molinaro, seeking re-election in the Hudson Valley’s 19th District, said the scandal is a campaign issue and that the “culture of incompetence and corruption needs to have people fighting back.”
Some Democrats, such as Laura Gillen and Mondaire Jones, have called for Adams to resign. “If you abuse your power you’ve got to go,” Gillen said.
.@AirlineFlyer “recommended that Adams open a Miles & Smiles credit card, and perhaps put some of his legal-related expenses on it.
“Then he can hit the introductory bonus and he can legitimately fly for free after all of this is settled.” 😂 https://t.co/EFXpZ37FnL
— Edward Russell (@ByERussell) September 28, 2024
Others, like John Avlon, emphasized the need for ethical leadership, stating, “A Democratic crook is as bad as a Republican crook.”
The scandal has also raised concerns about its potential impact on Vice President Kamala Harris.
Adams’ scandal disrupts Democratic outlook
Adams has suggested that his indictment is retribution for complaining about the financial strain of absorbing asylum seekers from the southern border. Some Democrats worry that these allegations could bring more attention to the contentious issue of immigration in battleground states.
Former President Donald Trump has come to Adams’ defense, claiming he predicted the charges against the mayor. However, Rev. Al Sharpton, a prominent Democratic figure, disagreed with Adams’ claim that he was targeted by the Biden-Harris administration, calling it “garbage.”
As the scandal unfolds, pressure is mounting on Adams to resign.
State Sen. Liz Kreuger said, “He is presumed innocent. But he can’t be mayor.
He can’t function and his people can’t function.” The ongoing federal investigations have reportedly paralyzed city government, with State Attorney General Letitia James examining contracts related to the scandal. The impact of Adams’ indictment on the Democratic Party’s prospects in the upcoming elections remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly shaken up New York’s political landscape and poses a significant challenge for Democrats hoping to regain control of the House.
