Democracy Now! Audio Exclusive: Zohran Mamdani Reacts to Eric Adams Dropping Out of NYC Mayoral Race
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Sep 28, 2025 New York Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the race, influenced by pressure from Trump and business leaders. Zohran Mamdani responds, challenging Adams' record on affordability. He emphasizes that Adams' exit won't sway his campaign focus on working-class New Yorkers. The discussion also highlights the tactics used by wealthy donors and Trump allies to influence the election, as well as the challenges Mamdani faces in connecting with low-income neighborhoods while building a coalition.
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Adams' Exit Reveals Donor-Driven Mayoralism
- Zohran Mamdani frames Adams' exit as the result of catering to Trump and wealthy donors over working-class New Yorkers.
- He says the moment exposes City Hall's pattern of 'big money and small ideas' undermining residents' needs.
Agreement On Issues, Dispute Over Delivery
- Mamdani accepts Adams' diagnosis of city problems but rejects his record on delivering solutions for affordability and safety.
- He lists policy actions—rent increases, higher water bills, backing utility hikes—that he says worsened the cost-of-living crisis.
Campaign Focus Unchanged By Exit
- Mamdani says Adams leaving doesn't change the core dynamics and that his campaign remains focused on New Yorkers' needs.
- He emphasizes his movement defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary and remains confident going forward.