Adams warns voters about Zohran Mamdani’s progressive agenda as Democrats and Republicans debate NYC’s political future.

Eric Adams Warns Against ‘Snake Oil’ Politics as Mamdani Surges

New York City’s mayoral race took a dramatic turn following Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s upset victory in the Democratic primary, placing him one step closer to becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. Current Mayor Eric Adams, now running as an independent, took to national television to label Mamdani “a snake oil salesman” and warned voters against what he described as “unrealistic” promises.

“He would say and do anything to get elected,” Adams said, defending his record and criticizing Mamdani’s proposals—including free transit, universal childcare, and eliminating ICE operations—as impractical. “You know who has the authority to raise taxes on high-income earners? An assemblyman, which he is—not the mayor.” Adams, who was cleared of a federal corruption investigation, insisted that he delivered for the city and urged voters not to “go backwards.”

Republicans Seize on Mamdani’s Win to Target Democrats

Republican leaders quickly seized on Mamdani’s primary victory as evidence of what they called a leftward shift in the Democratic Party. The National Republican Congressional Committee claimed that Mamdani represents “the new face of the Democrat Party,” warning that “every vulnerable House Democrat will own him.” Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Trump ally, labeled Mamdani “a radical, Defund-the-Police, Communist, raging Antisemite,” and Vice President JD Vance congratulated him as “the new leader of the Democratic Party.”

Veteran GOP strategist Colin Reed described the development as “a messaging nightmare” for Democrats, arguing that a socialist’s victory in a key election undermines efforts to present the party as moderate. The contest, shaped by Mamdani’s support from progressive icons Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, highlighted generational and ideological divides within the party.

Moderate Democrats Voice Alarm Over Shift Leftward

The reaction among Democrats was deeply divided. While Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries congratulated Mamdani for running a campaign focused on “affordability, fairness, & opportunity,” some moderate Democrats broke ranks. Rep. Laura Gillen of Long Island called Mamdani “too extreme to lead New York City,” criticizing his “unachievable promises and higher taxes.” Gillen also accused Mamdani of “unacceptable antisemitic comments,” warning he is “the absolute wrong choice for New York.” Rep. Tom Suozzi echoed these concerns, reiterating his endorsement of Mamdani’s opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo, who conceded the primary but left open the possibility of running as an independent, was outpaced by Mamdani’s coalition of young and progressive voters. The primary result, seen as a potential bellwether for the Democratic Party’s direction, intensified debate about the future of both the city and the party at large.

Mamdani, energized by his endorsements and grassroots support, has pledged to fight for “a city that works for you, that is affordable, that is safe.” As November’s general election approaches, Adams, Mamdani, and possibly Cuomo will vie for leadership amid a backdrop of starkly different visions for New York City’s future.