New York Mayor Eric Adams launched his re-election campaign Thursday, announcing he will run as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, where democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the party’s nomination.

Adams positioned himself as a “blue-collar” alternative to Mamdani’s progressive agenda, criticizing him as a “silver spoon socialist.”

Business leaders, alarmed by Mamdani’s proposals like rent freezes and higher taxes on the wealthy, may shift their support to Adams after previously backing Andrew Cuomo, The Guardian has reported.

Adams’ campaign promises include reducing crime, expanding mental health services, vocational training, and affordable housing.

Written by B.C. Begley