Republicans link Democrats in key New York races to Eric Adams

Republicans are making a concerted effort to associate New York Democrats with Mayor Eric Adams following his recent indictment on federal corruption charges. They believe this connection could pose a significant challenge for Democrats competing in key races that might determine control of Congress next year. This coordinated strategy involves prominent GOP figures, candidates, and the House GOP’s campaign organization, all intent on tying Democrats to what they call the “cult of corruption” surrounding Adams, who has been indicted on five felony counts, including bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting foreign contributions. Adams has maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty.

The Republicans are also looking to bridge a connection between Democrats and the rising crime and migrant situations in New York City, issues that have drawn considerable criticism towards Adams. Strategists from both parties are doubtful, however, that this barrage of messaging will effectively sway voters in competitive districts located in New York City suburbs. Nevertheless, the GOP is escalating its campaign effort. Representative Elise Stefanik, the highest-ranking New York Republican in Congress, stated that “New York Democrats will pay the price for this corruption and incompetence in November.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee has joined the fray, employing rhetoric that suggests Democrats are fleeing from their association with Adams like “rats fleeing a sinking ship.” They aim to remind voters of the challenges Adams’s policies have brought to the nation’s largest city. This effort is also trickling down to individual candidates. Alison Esposito, running against Representative Pat Ryan in New York’s 18th Congressional District, argued in an op-ed that Ryan is aligned with Adams’s problematic policies, asserting that “At the end of the day, Ryan and Adams represent the same repressive and dangerous policies.”

Meanwhile, in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, Representative Tom Suozzi is facing scrutiny from GOP challenger Mike LiPetri, who has emphasized Suozzi’s prior association with Adams. Despite the pressure, Suozzi has not called for Adams’s resignation, stating his focus is on serving the Hudson Valley.

The indictment against Adams, unsealed by federal prosecutors on September 26, outlines allegations of receiving travel and gifts from Turkish government officials, soliciting campaign donations from Turkish businessmen, and engaging in related bribery activities. These charges emerged from a lengthy investigation that began while Adams was the Brooklyn borough president. Despite the unfolding scandal and potential for additional charges, Adams remains resolute in his intent to serve his term.

While many House Democrats are urging voters to respect the legal process regarding Adams, some facing tough election races are calling for his resignation. This includes Democrats challenging Republican incumbents in what are expected to be highly competitive districts. One such challenger, Josh Riley, publicly demanded Adams step down, asserting the need to eliminate corrupt politicians.

In response, Republican Marc Molinaro dismissed these calls as politically motivated and criticized the hypocrisy of Democrats who have previously aligned with individuals now under scrutiny. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries countered concerns, arguing that local issues would dictate election outcomes and that candidates should focus on their own campaigns.

Former congressional representatives from both parties have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the GOP’s strategy, suggesting the scandal surrounding Adams may not significantly impact the races. They believe that voters are primarily concerned with pressing local issues such as immigration, crime, and inflation.

Indeed, this initiative to tie Democrats to Adams isn’t new; the GOP has been crafting this narrative for months, focusing on Adams’s struggles with crime and the ongoing migrant crisis. Prior to the indictment, the NRCC was already using advertisements that associated Democratic candidates with both Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, highlighting the potential electoral cost.

Now, with the indictment looming over Adams and the possibility of further charges, New York Republicans are intensifying their campaign against both him and the Democratic candidates, hoping this strategy could tip the scales in a crucial election year. As Molinaro pointedly remarked, “Single-party rule in New York has produced a culture of corruption, and now we have yet one more example that’s going to come back to bite them.”