The two women aiming to challenge Eric Adams in the race
2025 NYC mayor’s race
roused the audience at the
National Action Network
On Thursday, the gathering of members drew massive cheers for their promises to steer New York toward a fresh path and confront President Trump relentlessly.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
and
state Sen. Jessica Ramos,
Both hailing from different parts of Queens, they distinguished themselves amongst the approximately twelve contenders who addressed the gathering at the annual forum hosted during Reverend Al Sharpton’s conference. This event takes place yearly at the Midtown Manhattan Sheraton Hotel.
Speaker Adams and Ramos managed to energize the crowd in a manner that none of their male colleagues appeared able to, despite all being equals.
falling significantly behind in the polls
behind
former Gov. Andrew Cuomo
, Queens
Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani
, along with the present mayor.
Speaker Adams strongly expressed her reasons for making the decision.
last-minute entrance into the mayoral contest
previously demonstrating minimal enthusiasm for pursuing the role, she stated that it was eventually the
exit of four of the mayor’s key assistants
Last month that urged her to join the competition, along with encouragement from various other officeholders.
“She stated, ‘The city requires a leader.’ She continued, ‘What the city needs now is change. It should be free from trauma, devoid of drama, untouched by scandals, and unburdened by corruption. What the city truly needs is fresh perspective.’ With these thoughts in mind, I drew a deep breath, put my faith in my God, and decided to dive headfirst into this political contest.”
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
The speaker mentioned that she sensed growing support for her bid, which reflected the ongoing passion from Black women who backed former Vice President Kamala Harris’ unsuccessful run for president.
Speaker Adams similarly made it clear about her distinct stance on tackling Trump’s focus on the city compared to how Mayor Adams has managed the situation up until now.
criticized the mayor for endorsing a book
composed by Kash Patel, who served as FBI director under Trump, during comments made following a judge’s decision to dismiss his federal indictment on Wednesday.
Speaker Adams stated that they require someone who isn’t intimidated by Donald Trump and doesn’t try to sell his books.
She emphasized that we require someone who won’t shrink back but will confront authority with genuine truths.
Ramos stated that she aims to adopt a firm position against Trump by coming prepared with her own “weapon for a confrontation.”
The state senator initially energized the audience by discussing her recent initiatives.
proposed a bill that would enable Governor Kathy Hochul to hold back
State and local taxes from Washington as a response to potential funding reductions from the impending Trump administration.
“If he is going to say that he’s not going to give us the money for transit, for infrastructure, Title One funding for our children with disabilities in public schools, if he’s not going to fully fund SNAP benefits, then you don’t need our money,” Ramos said, to applause and shouts of approval. “We should keep our money, re-appropriate it, and fill those holes that he thinks he’s gonna leave.”
State Sen. Jessica Ramos.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Ramos stated her commitment to defending immigrants, women, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as DEI initiatives against assaults initiated by the Trump administration.
She stated that her aim is to “ensure we are tough on the worst elements from Queens,” alluding to Trump.
She stated, ‘That’s precisely why I’d like all of you to showcase the finest qualities of Queens residents. We must ensure that our children feel proud of those representing them in positions of authority since we really need to improve things.’
