NYC Mayor Fights Back Against ‘Snake Oil Salesman’ Candidate

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is inching closer to becoming New York City’s next mayor—but current Mayor Eric Adams isn’t buying the hype.

“He’s a snake oil salesman,” Adams said on Fox & Friends Wednesday. “He would say and do anything to get elected.”

Adams, who is now running for reelection as an independent, claimed he offers the only grounded leadership in the race. He said he’s not interested in appeasing party extremes or making empty promises.

“You had one candidate running from his record. Another with no record at all,” Adams said. “And then there’s Eric Adams—with a record. I delivered for this city, and we’re not going backwards.”

Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman from Queens, surged ahead of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary with strong backing from younger voters and progressive groups. If elected, he would become the city’s first Muslim mayor.

While Mamdani hasn’t officially won, and ballots are still being counted, Cuomo has already conceded. Still, his team says the former governor may launch an independent bid—something Adams warned against.

“Andrew, at this time, should realize that the time has moved on,” Adams said. “He just didn’t bring the energy of wanting to be mayor.”

Mamdani, known for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump, laid out a sweeping vision during his speech—free public transit, universal childcare, municipal housing, and a hard stance against ICE.

But Adams dismissed those promises as unserious. “He wants to raise taxes on the top 1%, but the mayor can’t do that,” Adams said. “You know who can? An assemblyman, which is what he is.”