New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat with a history of affiliation with the Republican Party, has left the door open to switching parties. In a pair of interviews on Friday, Adams, who was a Republican from 1995 to 2002, neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of returning to the GOP.
“I’m a part of the American party,” Adams said during an appearance on NY1. “I love this country.”
Pressed further in a PIX11 interview, Adams reiterated his focus on transcending party lines: “No matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for American values. We need to move beyond parties to solve the problems voters face.”
Alignment with Trump Draws Criticism
Adams’ remarks come amid increasing scrutiny over his relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. Unlike most Democrats, Adams has avoided openly criticizing Trump, instead expressing admiration for figures like Elon Musk, whom Trump has tapped for government efficiency reforms. Adams is also scheduled to meet with incoming border czar Tom Homan to discuss immigration enforcement, including deportations of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records.
Local Democrats are alarmed by Adams’ openness to Trump, especially given the criminal case the mayor faces in federal court. Trump has nominated a replacement for the U.S. Attorney prosecuting Adams and could offer a pardon, fueling concerns about the mayor’s impartiality.
Rep. Dan Goldman voiced his unease: “I am concerned that the mayor may be letting his personal interests interfere with his job running the city. New Yorkers deserve a mayor who is focused solely on their needs.”
Democratic Opposition Grows
Adams’ comments have intensified opposition within his own party ahead of his 2025 reelection campaign. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie criticized Adams’ stance, stating, “At a time when the Republican Party is out of step with New York values, we need a mayor who isn’t afraid to call himself a Democrat.” Myrie condemned Trump’s agenda, citing attacks on climate protections, voting rights, and reproductive freedoms.
Other Democratic challengers echoed these sentiments. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani accused Adams of tacitly endorsing Trump’s policies, while Sen. Jessica Ramos suggested Adams should openly run as a Republican if that aligns with his beliefs.
City Comptroller Brad Lander, a prominent progressive, quipped, “[For whatever it’s worth], I have ruled out switching to the Republican Party.”
Adams Defends His Position
Despite the backlash, Adams insists he plans to seek reelection as a Democrat. “I’ve been a Democrat for many years, and I’m going to run for my reelection as a Democrat,” he said.
To critics questioning his approach, Adams offered a defiant response: “Those who don’t like it, they will cancel me. I say: Cancel me. I’m for America.”
As Adams navigates these political headwinds, his willingness to blur party lines continues to generate both intrigue and controversy within New York’s political landscape.
