Eric Adams was once a rising star in the Democratic Party. His reelection will hinge on taking down the newest one. Hours after Zohran Mamdani’s performance in New York City’s Democratic primary electrified national politics,

New York Mayor Eric Adams set out Thursday to persuade skeptical voters to grant him a second term, hosting a kickoff event for his independent reelection bid after a corruption indictment, a controversial dismissal and a decision to drop out of a the Democratic primary.

New York City's incumbent Mayor Eric Adams launched his reelection campaign on Thursday following the surprise upset of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary earlier this week.

Want to know how much Republicans are eager to turn Zohran Mamdani into the face of the Democratic Party? Look no further than two of the biggest names eyeing bids for New York governor next year.

Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist in the style of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, centered his campaign on affordability with bold promises: free child care, fare-free buses and rent freezes.

Republican leaders hope the ascent of the NYC mayoral candidate, a democratic socialist, will help them paint the Democrats as a far-left party.