DC 37 launches new PAC to boost mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams

District Council 37 (DC 37) recently made significant waves in New York City politics with its endorsement of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as a candidate for mayor. This endorsement is not just a pat on the back; it comes with financial backing designed to give her campaign a robust boost. The public sector union has launched a new independent expenditure committee called “Competent New York” to support her campaign, employing the strategies of Red Horse Strategies, the firm that successfully supported Mayor Eric Adams in his 2021 run.

The funding commitment from DC 37 demonstrates the union’s faith in Adrienne Adams as the right candidate to lead New York City. Although the exact amount of their financial backing hasn’t been disclosed, officials suggest it will be in the “high six figures.” In addition to this committee, DC 37 has already donated $2,100 directly to her campaign, indicating a strong initial effort to cement her position in the mayoral race.

In a press conference held in April, DC 37 formally announced its endorsement of Speaker Adams, alongside Attorney General Letitia James, though Speaker Adams was the sole focus. This endorsement is crucial for her campaign, particularly as she strives to establish herself as a formidable candidate in a crowded field that includes long-time contenders. While she is relatively new to the race, her support from one of the city’s largest public sector unions could be a game-changer for her visibility and funding.

DC 37’s collaboration with Red Horse Strategies marks a new chapter for the firm as it enters the 2025 mayoral campaign scene after previously focusing on City Council and borough president campaigns this year. This strategic partnership is expected to mobilize voters and enhance her campaign strategy significantly. Speaker Adams, despite being a late entrant, managed to gain traction, receiving roughly 8% of Democratic respondents’ votes in a May Emerson College poll. This positioned her in fifth place, but her campaign is showing early signs of growth, having recently qualified for public matching funds, which have allowed her to launch her first television advertisement.

However, the political landscape remains competitive. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is also running for the Democratic nomination, has garnered significant financial backing from the super PAC “Fix the City.” This group has raised over $10 million to support Cuomo’s campaign and has been active in opposing other candidates, including Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, a fellow contender in the primary.

While both Adams and Cuomo are making headlines, Speaker Adams has yet to establish herself as a frontrunner in the race. Her campaign faces obstacles typical of late entrants, including the challenge of gaining immediate recognition amongst voters who are already familiar with candidates who have been campaigning longer. Nonetheless, her steady rise in the polls, along with the financial resources provided by DC 37, promises to level the playing field as the election approaches.

It’s essential to note the implications of independent expenditure committees like “Competent New York.” Unlike campaign committees, they are not bound by the same stringent spending caps and can bring a substantial amount of money into a candidate’s campaign. However, these committees must operate independently, meaning they cannot coordinate any efforts with the candidate they support. This allows for greater financial flexibility and freedom in campaigning, which can potentially change the dynamics of political races.

Looking ahead, the support from DC 37 may be pivotal for Adrienne Adams as she aims to carve out a unique identity in a competitive field filled with notable names. The union’s backing not only provides her with financial resources but also signals to voters that she has the support of a major representative body. As the race continues to unfold, all eyes will remain on how this endorsement and the associated financial backing translate into voter support.

For Speaker Adams and her supporters, the forthcoming months will be critical. With the combination of DC 37’s financial boost and her emerging campaign strategy, the upcoming primary could prove to be a significant test of her viability as a candidate. The future of New York City’s leadership may very well hinge upon the ability of candidates like Adams to resonate with voters who are keen to see fresh leadership that understands the complexities of governing a diverse city.

As the 2025 New York City mayoral race heats up, public sector unions like DC 37 will continue to play a vital role, providing not only funding but also grassroots mobilization efforts to champion their candidates. Speaker Adams stands at a pivotal juncture, and how she navigates the challenges ahead will determine her political future and, potentially, the future of the city itself. How her campaign evolves and whether she can translate her union support into widespread voter enthusiasm remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the race for mayor is already shaping up to be an engaging contest.

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