Mamdani Fires Back at Adams’ Jab Over Nails, Keeps Focus on Affordability in NYC Mayoral Race

New York Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, poised to clinch the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City, responded Thursday to a pointed jab from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, dismissing it as a deflection tactic and reiterating his campaign’s focus on affordability.

Adams, who recently launched an independent re-election bid after opting out of the Democratic primary, took a swipe at Mamdani during his kickoff speech. “This election is a choice between a candidate with a blue collar and one with a … silver spoon, a choice between dirty fingernails and manicured nails,” Adams said, drawing a contrast between himself and his progressive challenger.

Speaking to CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, Mamdani met the comment with humor. “They’re not looking great right now,” he quipped of his nails, before cutting to the core of his critique: “I understand what he’s doing. He’s trying to distract from his own record.”

The Assembly Member, whose campaign gained momentum with a grassroots message centered on tackling the city’s soaring cost of living, was blunt: “If I were him, I’d also rather talk about me than about his record. But we’re going to keep reminding New Yorkers what’s on the ballot: it’s affordability.”

Adams, who saw multiple felony corruption charges dismissed last September, has denied allegations that his legal team offered to support President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in exchange for leniency. Nonetheless, the episode continues to shadow his re-election efforts.

As Mamdani’s influence grows, Adams has reportedly convened meetings with city business leaders to devise a strategy to stop the democratic socialist from winning November’s general election, according to The New York Times.

Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo—who finished weakly in the primary despite establishment backing and a formidable war chest—is planning to remain in the race as an independent. Cuomo, who stepped down in 2021 amid allegations of workplace harassment he denies, appears to be betting that a broader general electorate will be more receptive to his candidacy.

With Adams pivoting to the political center and Cuomo banking on redemption, Mamdani’s insurgent campaign stands as a progressive rallying cry in a high-stakes three-way contest for control of City Hall.