New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended his re-election bid and criticized political opponents during a live interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box on Monday, July 7th.
Speaking on his decision to run as an independent, Adams said he anticipated Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s rise months ago due to strong support among younger voters. He claimed the increasingly competitive Democratic primary influenced his choice to run outside the party.
Adams also addressed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom he said personally urged him to withdraw from the race. Adams rejected the suggestion, calling it “arrogant” and questioning the rationale of asking a sitting mayor to step aside for someone who recently lost an election.
The mayor criticized Mamdani over a past college application where he identified as both Black and Asian, calling the decision inappropriate and saying it required an apology rather than an explanation. Adams also accused Mamdani of consistently avoiding accountability, referencing previous remarks and online content, including a video that appeared to mock Hanukkah.
On policy, Adams contrasted Mamdani’s proposals with his own, suggesting the assemblymember’s platform lacked practical understanding of working-class struggles. Adams emphasized his administration’s efforts to provide economic relief through tax changes and expanded services, and credited his leadership with driving job growth and aiding the city’s post-pandemic recovery.
When asked about accusations of antisemitism surrounding Mamdani, Adams stopped short of outright labeling him but called his actions “misguided” and said they showed a disregard for Jewish traditions.
Closing the interview, Adams expressed confidence in his campaign’s momentum and assured viewers: “We’re going to win.”
