NYC Mayor Eric Adams Criticizes Primary Winner Zohran Mamdani

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has sharply criticized political newcomer Zohran Mamdani, branding him a “snake oil salesman” following Mamdani’s surprising victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the recent mayoral primary.

Adams, who will face Mamdani in the general election this November as an independent, expressed his skepticism on a morning talk show, accusing Mamdani of making unrealistic promises to garner votes. He argued that Mamdani’s campaign was based on exaggerated progressive pledges that are unlikely to be fulfilled.

Zohran Mamdani with his mother and wife on election night. — Mayor Adams criticized Mamdani, claiming he was willing to say anything to win.

Among Mamdani’s proposals are freezing rents for regulated apartments, funding free public transportation and childcare, and establishing city-operated grocery stores. His platform, estimated to cost around $10 billion, would be funded through taxes on the ultra-wealthy, Mamdani has stated.

New York Post front page: "Who will save city after radical socialist batters Cuomo in Dem mayoral primary?" — Mamdani defeated three-term ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary.

However, Mayor Adams questioned Mamdani’s ability to implement such tax increases, noting that as mayor, he wouldn’t have direct authority over tax policy—such decisions are made at the state level, where Mamdani currently serves his third term representing Queens.

Adams emphasized that Mamdani’s promises show a lack of understanding of how government functions and the importance of improving the economy and standard of living for residents.