In the wake of the Justice Department’s decision to drop federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, several mayoral candidates have publicly expressed their reactions. Many of them criticized the decision, arguing that it signals political favoritism and a failure of accountability.
- Comptroller Brad Lander
Lander condemned the decision, linking it to Adams’s relationship with Trump.
“Today, Mayor Adams instructed his top officials not to criticize Donald Trump. And now we know why. Instead of standing up for New Yorkers, Adams is standing up for precisely one person – and that’s himself. New Yorkers deserve better.”
- State Senator Zellnor Myrie
Myrie expressed outrage, calling the decision a failure of justice.
“If there was any doubt left, today’s news makes it clear that justice is dead in America. The decision by Trump’s Department of Justice to drop charges against Eric Adams should outrage every single New Yorker. We already know that Eric Adams has sacrificed the safety and sanctity of our schools and public hospitals to curry favor with this fascist Administration. How many more of our rights and freedoms did the mayor give up to save his own skin? New Yorkers are tired of our leaders skirting accountability. We are tired of the status quo. We are tired of living in a city that has no direction, no focus and no answer to the affordability crisis so many of us feel. The leaders of the past have not solved our problems; and continually put their own interests and desire for power above what’s best for New Yorkers. Enough is enough.”
- Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani
Mamdani criticized Adams, accusing him of avoiding accountability.
“Congratulations to Mayor Adams on his shameless effort to avoid legal accountability and sell out the city he swore to serve in the midst of an all-out federal assault on its fundamental values,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Election Day can’t come soon enough.”
- Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer
Stringer called for leadership focused on New Yorkers.
“The only New Yorker breathing a sigh of relief tonight is Eric Adams. The rest of us are facing unaffordable housing and childcare costs and rising crime and disorder. But thankfully, New Yorkers – not the president – get to decide who is mayor next year. We need a mayor who will fight every day to deliver for New Yorkers, making our city safe and more affordable. I hope that now we can move on from what Eric Adams wants and focus on what New York City needs.”
- State Senator Jessica Ramos
Ramos accused Adams of betraying the city.
“Eric Adams sold out New Yorkers to buy his own freedom, but he’ll never escape the label of worst mayor in NYC history. Donald Trump may think this buys him access to terrorize our communities, but New Yorkers always stand up for one another, no matter how many corrupt narcissists try to hurt our families.”
- Attorney Jim Walden
Walden dismissed claims that the charges were politically motivated.
“The Dept of Justice directed prosecutors to dismiss the case against @NYCMayor. This is not a surprise to anyone. The claim that Adams was prosecuted for political reasons is just plain silly. The move will not save him at the ballot box. When I am Mayor, New Yorkers will have confidence in the integrity of City Hall again – after a decade of corruption.”
- Former Assembly Member Michael Blake
Blake accused Adams of prioritizing his own interests.
“Vice President Eric Adams only cares about Donald Trump. The mayor is trying to divide us. He kissed the ring and sniveled his way out of legal trouble.”
- Former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson
Tilson denounced Adams as corrupt.
“Eric Adams is corrupt and an embarrassment to New York City. He should be sleeping in a jail cell, not hiding in a taxpayer-funded mansion on the Upper East Side. He sold out New York to kiss Trump’s ass so he could avoid the consequences of his actions. Eric Adams needs to be held accountable for his crimes and the widespread corruption in City Hall. As a New Yorker, I am ashamed that he is our Mayor.”
