Corruption in municipal politics has a long history and has often been accepted as normal.
The Manhattan Institute conducted a survey in April, polling 700 likely voters in the upcoming mayoral race in New York City. The survey covered various topics such as elected officials, crime, immigration, and the overall state of the city. Only 16 percent of respondents indicated they would re-elect Eric Adams as mayor. However, it is important to note that a lot can change in the political landscape over a few months.
Recently, federal investigators conducted raids on several high-ranking members of the Adams administration, investigating potential bribery schemes. This investigation is separate from a previous probe into possible illegal donations to Adams’s 2021 campaign from the Turkish government. While no charges have been filed against the mayor or his top officials, the optics of the situation raise concerns about nepotism within the city government.
Phones belonging to key figures in the administration, including the schools chancellor, the first deputy mayor, and the deputy mayor for public safety, were seized during the raids. The police commissioner, who announced his resignation following the investigation, and his twin brother were also implicated. These developments have cast a shadow over Adams’s re-election prospects, especially with prominent Democratic challengers gearing up to run against him.
Despite the unfolding events, there has been no recent polling to gauge the impact on Adams’s popularity. Research in political science suggests that the electoral consequences of actual corruption, as opposed to perceived corruption, are often mild. Voters may have difficulty understanding the complexities of corruption, and some may prioritize ideological alignment over a candidate’s clean record.
As the mayoral primary approaches, the political landscape in New York City remains uncertain. The outcome of the investigations and the responses from the candidates will likely influence voter perceptions and decisions in the upcoming election.
Source: The NY Times
