New York City Mayor Eric Adams has sparked speculation about a potential party switch to the GOP after refusing to rule out the possibility during two interviews on Friday. These remarks come as Adams has displayed increasing alignment with President-elect Donald Trump and his hardline immigration policies.
Adams, a Democrat leading one of the nation’s most progressive cities, was a registered Republican during the 1990s and early 2000s before building his political career as a Democrat. His openness to a potential party switch has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from the left wing of his party.
In an interview with NY1 on Friday, Adams was asked directly if he would consider returning to the Republican Party. His response left the door open:
“The party that’s the most important for me is the American party,” Adams said. “I’m a part of the American party. I love this country. This is the home of the free, the land of the brave.”
Later that morning, during an interview with PIX11, Adams reiterated his intention to run for reelection as a Democrat but again hinted at flexibility in the future.
“No matter what party I’m on or vote on, I’m going to push for the American values,” Adams stated. “And I think America has told us, stop the squabbling, leaders, and start leading us out of the crisis that we’re facing.”
Adams has taken a noticeable turn to the right in recent weeks, particularly in his rhetoric surrounding immigration. Once a vocal advocate of sanctuary city policies, the mayor has signaled a willingness to roll back these protections. He recently expressed concern over what he described as a “rising illegal alien crime rate in New York City” and has committed to meeting with Trump’s border officials.
Adams has also praised figures in Trump’s orbit, including Elon Musk, who has promoted debunked claims about Democratic immigration strategies. Speaking about the nation’s potential under Trump, Adams said Tuesday,
“This is a racehorse that wanted to run its right pace, and we’ve been holding back that racehorse out of fear of being canceled. And now you have a bunch of people who are not afraid of being canceled.”
The mayor’s critics have been quick to attribute his recent remarks to his legal troubles. Adams is currently facing federal corruption charges, accused of accepting gifts and campaign contributions in exchange for influence. He has pleaded not guilty. Opponents, including primary challengers Zohran Mamdani and Zellnor Myrie, accuse Adams of cozying up to Trump to secure a potential pardon.
“Eric Adams continues to sound more like he is auditioning for a job in right-wing media than running for reelection in a Democratic primary,” Mamdani said. Myrie added,
“At a time when the Republican Party has never been more out of line with New York values, we need a mayor who isn’t scared to call himself a Democrat.”
Adams distanced himself from potential mass deportation plans under Trump, stating,
“You know, I’m not for mass deportation, but I’m not for mass saturation.”
Adams’ recent comments mark a stark contrast from his earlier positions. During his mayoral campaign in 2021, he condemned the Trump administration’s immigration tactics, telling a group of immigrants,
“Too many of our neighbors live in the shadows, scarred by the abusive rhetoric and tactics of the Trump era and fearing a denial of their rights.”
As Adams’ rhetoric shifts and his legal troubles mount, questions about his political future and allegiance continue to swirl.
