Eric Adams Says Mamdani Never Passed A Bill But Now Wants To Run NYC

Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams fired back on Fox Business Thursday at his challenger, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who recently launched a bid for mayor.

Mamdani surged ahead in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, prompting analysts to say his rise could push the party further left in future races. During an appearance on “Kudlow,” Adams pointed out what he referred to as Mamdani’s lack of legislative success during his tenure in Albany.

“He’s an assemblyman. He didn’t do it when he was in Albany. He had the power to do many of the things he stated now after four years in Albany. He did not pass one bill. So either he doesn’t understand the role of a mayor or he’s intentionally misleading people who are looking for help around [the] affordability issue,” Adams said.

Adams discussed another way he said he and Mamdani differ from one another.

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“Are we facing one who wants to defund our police or one who believes that law enforcement is a prerequisite to our prosperity? And one that understands that a healthy financial ecosystem includes bringing in large companies to hire everyday employees so that they could have a quality of life? And I think what is most troubling about what the socialist candidate is stating is his calls to give everything away free,” Adams told Larry Kudlow. “Nothing is more troubling when people who are struggling are giving promises that individuals can’t live up to. Mayors don’t have the power to raise income taxes. That is, what is the basis of all the things he’s going to pay for? Assemblymen have that power.”

Mamdani vowed on Wednesday to increase funding for hate crime programs in the city by 800% to help “root out” antisemitism. Mamdani addressed concerns about his stance on Israel during his conversation with Jen Psaki. (RELATED: Kamala Harris’ Stepdaughter Says She Had To Overcome ‘Trauma’ Of Voting To Back Socialist Candidate In NYC)

“My message is that I am looking to lead this entire city, to represent each and every New Yorker. And that representation is not contingent on whether or not someone votes for me or someone agrees with me, because the responsibility of a leader is to reach out to all eight and a half million people who call this city their home,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani has campaigned on a progressive platform, advocating for taxpayer-funded initiatives like free public transportation, childcare, and city-operated grocery stores. The Democratic lawmaker has also pushed for reducing police presence in New York City and has faced significant criticism for his strong anti-Israel views.

Mamdani has served in the New York State Assembly since Jan. 1, 2021, representing the 36th District in Queens. He has faced criticism for his legislative record. He has been absent for 50% of Assembly votes in 2025, the highest absentee rate among all members. Additionally, some of his ambitious proposals, such as universal childcare and fare-free transit, have not advanced through the legislative process.

Despite serving in the New York State Assembly since 2021, Mamdani has struggled to pass significant legislation. Adams’ claim that Mamdani “did not pass one bill” is not entirely accurate, however. While Mamdani has introduced over 20 bills, only three —the State Administrative Procedure Act (A6267), the “Not on Our Dime!” Act (A6101), and the “Fix the MTA Act” (A6044)— were signed into law.

The State Administrative Procedure Act (A6267) promotes transparency in government rulemaking. The “Not on Our Dime!” Act (A6101) restricts state funding for organizations that support Israeli settlements. The “Fix the MTA Act” (A6044) piloted fare-free bus services in New York City.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.

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