The two women aiming to replace Eric Adams in the race 2025 NYC mayor's race excited the audience at the National Action Network Thursdays' yearly gathering brought enthusiastic cheers for promises to steer New York towards a fresh path and confront President Trump consistently.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and state Sen. Jessica Ramos, Both hailing from different areas of Queens, they were notable amongst the approximately twelve contenders who addressed the gathering at the annual forum organized during the convention. This event takes place every year at the Midtown Manhattan Sheraton hotel under the leadership of Rev. Al Sharpton.
Speaker Adams and Ramos managed to energize the crowd in a manner that none of their male colleagues appeared able to, despite all being equals. falling behind significantly in the surveys behind former Gov. Andrew Cuomo , Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani as well as the present mayor.
Speaker Adams firmly addressed her reasons for making the decision. last-minute addition to the mayoral campaign previously demonstrating minimal enthusiasm for pursuing the role, she stated that it was finally the exit of four of the mayor's key assistants Last month that compelled her to join the competition, along with encouragement from various public figures who hold offices.
She stated, 'The city requires a leader.' She continued, ‘What the city needs now is something distinct. It should progress free from trauma, devoid of drama, untouched by scandal, unburdened by corruption. What we truly need here is change. So, drawing strength from my faith, I gathered my courage and entered this campaign.’
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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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The speaker mentioned that she sensed growing support for her bid, which reflected the ongoing passion from Black women who backed former Vice President Kamala Harris’ unsuccessful run for president.
Speaker Adams similarly made a clear distinction between her own approach to addressing Trump's focus on the city and how Mayor Adams has managed the situation up until now. criticized the mayor for endorsing a book composed by Kash Patel, who served as FBI director under Trump, during comments made following a judge's decision to dismiss his federal charges on Wednesday.
Speaker Adams indicated the need for "someone who isn't intimidated by Donald Trump and doesn’t push their own books."
She emphasized that we require someone who won’t hide away but will confront those in authority with genuine truths.
Ramos stated that she aims to adopt a firm position against Trump by coming prepared with her own "weapon for a confrontation."
The state senator initially energized the audience by discussing her recent initiatives. proposed a bill that would enable Governor Kathy Hochul to withhold state and local taxes from Washington as a response to impending funding cuts from the Trump administration.
"If he is going to say that he's not going to give us the money for transit, for infrastructure, Title One funding for our children with disabilities in public schools, if he's not going to fully fund SNAP benefits, then you don't need our money," Ramos said, to applause and shouts of approval. "We should keep our money, re-appropriate it, and fill those holes that he thinks he's gonna leave."
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State Sen. Jessica Ramos.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
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Ramos stated her commitment to defending immigrants, women, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as DEI initiatives against assaults by the Trump administration.
She stated that her aim is to "ensure we are tough on the worst elements from Queens," alluding to Trump.
She stated, 'That’s precisely why I’d like all of you to set an example from the finest part of Queens. So that our kids can feel proud of those representing them in positions of authority since we really need to improve things.'