City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is stepping into the political spotlight with a clear message: no drama, no scandal—just results. In a mayoral race filled with big names, even bigger personalities, and more than a little baggage, Adams is betting that calm competence will win the day.
“I’m in this race to win this race,” she recently told reporters. “I’m the most experienced candidate in this race, even considering the former governor who has no citywide governance experience.”
That not-so-subtle shade at Andrew Cuomo, whose return to the political arena has raised eyebrows. And while her last name might sound familiar, she’s not related to current Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams, a Hollis, Queens native and longtime public servant, jumped into the race later than her rivals. But the 64-year-old mother of four and grandmother of 11 says her timing doesn’t mean she’s behind.
“Even though we’re the last ones in, we are just starting,” she said. “We haven’t peaked yet, so we still have a ways to go—and it feels wonderful.”
What sets Adams apart isn’t just her measured tone or years of city government experience; it’s her focus on the kitchen-table issues affecting everyday New Yorkers.
No script. Just me. I’m in it for us. pic.twitter.com/a779QeyMaN
— Adrienne E. Adams (@AdrienneEAdams) May 16, 2025
“The most important issue in this race, I believe, is affordability,” she explained. “People are leaving the city in droves because they can’t afford to live here. That’s why I’m running for mayor—to keep them here.”
That approach is resonating, especially among those craving stability in City Hall. Adams has already secured endorsements from major tenant associations and snagged a big one from New York Attorney General Letitia James, a rising political force in her own right.
She’s also got some momentum on the fundraising front, recently qualifying for $2 million in public matching funds. And while she currently trails Cuomo and progressive lawmaker Zohran Mamdani in early polls, Adams is quick to remind folks that the race is far from over.
On public safety, a hot-button issue in the city, Adams brings nuance. Asked about subway safety, she emphasized the importance of law enforcement but also highlighted the mental health crisis as a driving factor behind many random attacks.
“The NYPD needs to fill the vacancies that are there,” she said, “but there are ways we can gather the resources to help those, particularly in mental health crises, where I believe these random attacks are coming from.”
She’s not afraid to talk policy, but she also knows the power of symbolism. Becoming New York City’s first woman mayor would be historic, and Adams knows it. “First woman. That’s right. It’s amazing,” she said. “And what took so long, quite frankly?”
It’s a fair question. In a city known for its trailblazing spirit, it’s wild that the country’s largest metropolis has never had a woman in the mayor’s seat.
