Blue collars and manicured nails: How New York Mayor Eric Adams is campaigning against Zohran Mamdani

How New York City Mayor Eric Adams plans to campaign against Zohran Mamdani

Eric Adams was once a rising star in the Democratic Party. His reelection will hinge on taking down the newest one. Hours after Zohran Mamdani’s performance in New York City’s Democratic primary electrified national politics, Adams painted the 33-year-old democratic socialist as an entitled and inexperienced lawmaker trying to hoodwink New Yorkers with unrealistic campaign proposals. “This is a city not of socialism,” Adams said. Speaking Thursday on the steps of City Hall, Adams pitched himself as a tested, working-class leader focused on public safety and economic recovery who wants to complete the job he set out to do nearly four years ago. He signaled that he intends to paint Mamdani as elitist and out of touch with the needs of Black and Latino communities. “This election is a choice between a candidate with a blue collar and one with a suit and silver spoon – a choice between dirty fingernails and manicured nails,” Adams said. “It’s a choice between real progress and empty promises.” Mamdani was shown Adams’ comments on CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront.” He smiled and held his hands up to the camera.