Mayor Eric Adams, the current mayor of New York City, is facing a record-low approval rating of 20%, as revealed by a recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University. This marks the lowest job approval rating for any NYC mayor in nearly three decades since the institution began polling registered voters. This significant drop in approval comes amidst legal uncertainty surrounding federal corruption charges during Adams’ ongoing re-election bid.
The Poll and Public Opinion
In the Quinnipiac poll, only 20% of voters approved of Mayor Adams’ performance, while a staggering 67% disapproved. Among party lines, Democrats (78-15%), independents (63-20%), and Republicans (52-35%) all expressed disapproval of how Mayor Adams is handling his duties. Mary Snow, the assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll, commented on the findings, stating that public confidence in Mayor Adams has hit a new low, particularly in light of the national controversy surrounding his legal case.
The Corruption Scandal
The poll results shed light on how voters perceive Mayor Adams in the wake of the corruption charges leveled against him. Despite Adams maintaining his innocence and calls for the charges to be dropped, 40% of voters believe he engaged in illegal activities. A majority of voters (63%-25%) feel that the charges against Adams should not be dismissed, with 56% of respondents indicating that he should resign from his position as mayor. Snow emphasized that, while the final decision on the federal charges is pending, public sentiment leans towards Adams stepping aside.
Expert Insight and Mayor’s Response
Kayla Mamelak Altus, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, defended his record, highlighting accomplishments such as job creation, crime reduction, and affordable housing initiatives. Altus emphasized Adams’ commitment to making New York City safer and more affordable, despite the challenges he faces. Responding to the poll results, Altus expressed confidence in the mayor’s ability to continue delivering for New Yorkers and striving to improve the city’s overall quality of life.
Areas of Concern and Relationship with President Trump
Quinnipiac’s survey of 1,260 registered voters in NYC identified key issues contributing to Mayor Adams’ poor standing, including crime, immigration, and the city budget. Additionally, the poll highlighted concerns regarding Adams’ relationship with President Trump. A majority of voters (56%) expressed a desire for Adams to take a stronger stance against Trump on the issue of undocumented immigrants in the city. Snow noted that voters expect Adams to stand up more to the former president on this critical issue, rather than aligning closely with his policies.
In conclusion, Mayor Eric Adams’ record-low approval rating reflects the challenges he faces amid legal scrutiny and public dissatisfaction. While his administration touts achievements, the poll results underscore the pressing issues and concerns that have eroded public trust in his leadership. As Adams navigates this turbulent period, his ability to address these concerns and regain public confidence will be crucial in shaping his political future and the trajectory of New York City under his leadership.
