Adams and Lander trade opening shots in preview of 2025 New York City mayoral race

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and city Comptroller Brad Lander traded shots at each other in the first glimpse of the two front-runners for the 2025 mayoral general election.

Lander declared his candidacy on Tuesday, and Adams quickly took a shot at him during his weekly press conference.

“I thought [Lander’s] announcement was to go to assist the first woman of color to be the president of the United States, not take the second man of color from being the mayor of the city of New York,” Adams said.

“I think we need to be focused on one mission,” he added. “The mission is electing VP Harris. And that's what I’m focused on. I'm sure he’s going to join me in that, once he sees the importance of that.”

Lander's campaign didn't hesitate to respond, criticizing Adams for his later endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris during the period following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race.

"As New Yorkers know, the real truth is that while the Mayor attacked Kamala Harris & 'declined to endorse' her, Brad supported her candidacy immediately, and is a proud member of #DadsforKamala," Lander senior adviser Rebecca Rodriguez posted on X. "We’re glad to see the Mayor has finally come around to her candidacy."

Lander is one of a few Democrats looking to take on Adams from the left in 2025 and is expected to mount a serious challenge. Adams has been unpopular. His approval rating is only 28%, and he has been accused of mismanaging the city's migrant crisis.

Lander announced his candidacy in a campaign launch video.

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“Nothing can replace New York City,” he said in the video spot. “But we can replace a leader when they fail the basic tests of the job: To be honest with us. To keep our families safe. To make sure our kids learn. The basic things New Yorkers need their government to do.”

Adams is expected to run for reelection, and he will face Lander, along with Democratic state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, in the November 2025 election.