News Summary
Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman has urged New York City Mayor Eric Adams to consider withdrawing from the upcoming mayoral race due to declining poll numbers against opponent Zohran Mamdani. Despite Adams’s performance since taking office, recent polling suggests his chances of reelection are diminishing, particularly with Mamdani’s progressive platform appealing to younger voters. As the election approaches, both candidates are preparing for a highly contested race that could shape the city’s governance.
New York City – Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, is urging current Mayor Eric Adams to consider withdrawing from the upcoming mayoral race due to his declining poll numbers against opponent Zohran Mamdani. Ackman acknowledged that Adams has performed well since taking office in 2022, but he expressed concerns that the mayor’s chances of reelection, particularly against the Democratic primary winner Mamdani, are increasingly slim.
Recent polling data indicates that Adams’ approval ratings have dropped significantly since the June primary, raising questions about his viability in the fast-approaching general election scheduled for November. Current trends show Mamdani, a democratic socialist, leading the polls, which suggests a potentially challenging road ahead for Adams.
Mamdani’s platform distinguishes itself with bold proposals including government-run grocery stores aimed at addressing food insecurity, implementing rent freezes to ease housing costs, and raising taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals to fund social programs. These ideas resonate particularly well with younger voters, providing Mamdani with a strong grassroots support base that has proven effective in the campaigning process.
In contrast, business leaders have expressed alarm over Mamdani’s policies. Prominent businessman John Catsimatidis, the owner of Gristedes supermarkets, has stated that if Mamdani is elected, he may have to consider closing his businesses. This sentiment highlights the tension between Mamdani’s leftist economic strategies and concerns from the business community about their potential impacts on the city’s economy.
The mayoral election is set against a backdrop of a crowded Democrat field, with notable challengers including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and independent candidate Jim Walden. The diverse pool of candidates underscores the varying political ideologies present in this election – from Mamdani’s progressive agenda to Adams’ moderate stance in a historically blue city. Adams has labeled both Mamdani and Cuomo as “spoiled brats” amid the challenges he faces, adding a layer of personal contention to the race.
Amidst the unfolding political landscape, there have been suggestions that former President Donald Trump discussed a potential ambassadorship for Adams, a claim that Adams has denied as a formal offer. Further complicating Adams’ campaign dynamics, earlier this year, Trump’s administration dropped corruption charges against the mayor, which may have influenced his decision to run as an independent rather than through the Democratic primary.
The upcoming election is pivotal for New York City as it grapples with the direction of its leadership and policy priorities. Mamdani’s appeal among younger voters and his proposals for significant socio-economic reforms may push traditional candidates to rethink their strategies. Meanwhile, Adams must navigate the challenges of maintaining support among centrist voters feeling apprehensive about an increasingly left-leaning political climate.
As the November election approaches, both Adams and Mamdani are preparing for a highly contested race, with the outcome likely to have lasting implications for the direction of New York City and its governance. The contrasting platforms of the candidates represent a broader debate on the future policies that will impact residents’ lives, making this election not just a local event, but one of significant interest on a national level.
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Additional Resources
- Axios
- New York Times
- Washington Post
- Wikipedia: 2025 New York City Mayoral Election
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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