A recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University has revealed that New York City voters are extremely displeased with Mayor Eric Adams due to his alignment with former President Donald Trump on immigration policy. This has resulted in Mayor Adams receiving a meager 20 percent approval rating from registered voters in the city, marking an all-time low for him.
The mayor has been embroiled in corruption charges and facing calls for his resignation after the Justice Department, under Trump’s administration, intervened in his case. This has led to widespread speculation that Mayor Adams may be carrying out the former president’s aggressive immigration agenda. Despite denials from Adams’ attorney regarding any quid pro quo allegations, the damage to his reputation in the eyes of Democratic voters is evident.
A majority of voters, 56 percent, believe that Mayor Adams should resign, and many are urging him to take a stand against Trump on immigration issues. Trump remains deeply unpopular in New York City, with a job approval rating of only 30 percent. The mayor, who will be facing a closed Democratic primary on June 24, will need to win over Democratic voters who overwhelmingly disapprove of the former president.
Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to replace Mayor Adams. In the Quinnipiac University survey, Cuomo garnered 31 percent of the vote, while Adams trailed behind at 11 percent. The poll did not include a ranked choice voting simulation, a new method of determining local elections in New York City.
Cuomo’s entry into the race has highlighted Mayor Adams’ precarious position within his own party. Support for Adams among fellow Democrats has waned, with only 15 percent approving of his job performance. Additionally, Adams’ support among Black New Yorkers has decreased significantly, with 60 percent disapproving of his leadership.
As Mayor Adams grapples with legal challenges, his association with Trump has further alienated him from Democratic voters. Despite efforts to court the former president, including dining with him in Florida and attending his inauguration, Adams’ stance on federal immigration policies has not resonated with voters. A majority of New York City residents want the mayor to stand up to Trump on immigration issues, rather than collaborate with him.
Cuomo, on the other hand, has refrained from attacking Trump since entering the race, despite previous conflicts over Covid-19. The former governor’s measured approach to the former president has garnered support from voters, positioning him as a strong contender in the upcoming primary.
Overall, the poll results paint a challenging picture for Mayor Adams as he seeks reelection. With Cuomo leading the pack and Democratic voters increasingly dissatisfied with his leadership, Adams faces an uphill battle to secure another term in office.
