Being Mayor Is Eric Adams’ Re-Election Campaign Strategy
Short-Staffed
Adams’ campaign staff is tiny. Lawyer Vito Pitta confirmed, after a week of texts, that he was working on the campaign, but rarely answers other inquiries from THE CITY. Adams’ 2021 campaign spokesperson, Evan Thies, did not respond to multiple text messages sent by THE CITY asking if he is resuming that role this year — and has repeatedly denied he’s working on the campaign. But, Thies, a co-founder of Pythia Public Affairs, still communicates often with reporters on the Adams’ campaign’s behalf. Meanwhile, former Adams chief of staff Frank Carone — who now has a lobbying and public affairs firm, Oaktree Solutions — answered "of course" when asked if he was working on the 2025 campaign, but wouldn’t say in what capacity.
Raising Money
Adams is also raising money for his legal defense fund, which pays for lawyers and other expenses tied to his federal corruption trial. But he brought in just $2,200 from two donors over the last three months, even as his expenses increase as he prepares for his trial, set to begin in April. One of the listed donors is Tzvi Odzer, who gave $2,000 and was pardoned by outgoing President Donald Trump on his last day in office in 2021.
Re-Election Strategy
Adams is running his campaign effort instead through his day job at City Hall. He has no known campaign office or website, and few if any staff. He may not qualify for any city-funded matching-funds to help his campaign. In fact, he might have to give $10 million back to the Campaign Finance Board, with his 2021 fundraising under scrutiny by city and federal investigators.
State of the City Speech
Adams’ State of the City speech last week was a feel-good rundown of his administration’s wins while he promised to make New York more affordable for families to raise kids in. And he acknowledged the past year — in which multiple staffers were raided by federal authorities and he was indicted on corruption charges — with a show of defiance that wasn’t in his prepared remarks.
Interviews and Public Appearances
At a press conference this week, Adams answered questions about challengers — including potential contender Andrew Cuomo, the disgraced former governor who polls show would be a frontrunner if he jumped in. "I’m going to connect with people the way I do. No one is going to outwork me. I am so committed authentically to New Yorkers. They connect with me," Adams said.
Conclusion
Adams’ re-election campaign strategy seems to be a unique approach, focusing on his day job at City Hall and relying on his existing network to get the message out. With a tiny campaign staff and limited fundraising efforts, it will be interesting to see how this approach plays out in the upcoming election.
FAQs
- What is Eric Adams’ re-election campaign strategy?
Adams is running his campaign effort through his day job at City Hall, with a tiny staff and limited fundraising efforts. - Is Eric Adams’ campaign staff short-staffed?
Yes, Adams’ campaign staff is tiny, with few if any staff members. - How much money has Eric Adams raised for his re-election campaign?
Adams has raised over $4.4 million, with around $3.1 million still unspent. - Is Eric Adams qualified for city-funded matching-funds?
No, Adams may not qualify for any city-funded matching-funds to help his campaign. - Who are some potential challengers to Eric Adams in the re-election campaign?
Andrew Cuomo, the disgraced former governor, is a potential contender if he jumps into the race.
