Potential NYC Mayoral Challenger Previews Her Attack Lines

Aug 28, 2023

Eric Adams looks beatable to many progressives who have watched him stumble through an ineffective first term as New York City mayor. But who will actually step up and challenge the man who will have all the advantages of incumbency on his side in 2025? As the old saying goes, you can’t beat somebody with nobody.

In May, The Indypendent cited Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos as one of seven progressives to watch for as a potential Adams challenger. More recently, The New York Times reported that Ramos’ name was bandied about at an informal summit in July of progressive movers and shakers who are looking to rally around a strong challenger early in the campaign cycle.

Ramos, 38, is the New York City-born daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia. She is a former district leader, community-board member and union staffer who also served as Bill de Blasio’s director of outreach to Latino media. She vaulted into the State Senate in 2018, knocking off a 16-year incumbent legislator. Her arrival in Albany coincided with the Democrats taking control of the State Senate for the first time in more than 50 years and passing a raft of progressive legislation.

In a wide-ranging interview for this week’s edition of The Indypendent News Hour on WBAI-99.5 FM, Ramos offered a glimpse into what kind of candidate she might be. There’s Ramos, the policy wonk talking about seeding renewable energy supply chains in New York and ensuring they provide good union jobs. There’s Ramos, the neighborhood-based politician describing how climate change has impacted various immigrant communities in her district. There’s Ramos, the former de Blasio aide and mother of two school-age children (in contrast to Adams’ penchant for slashing public school funding, Ramos worked on de Blasio’s successful pre-K rollout). And, there’s Ramos, the feisty campaigner who isn’t afraid to go on the attack and can land a punch while still smiling.

“Less swagger and more work!” She demanded with a laugh when asked about the mayor’s celebrity lifestyle.

Jessica Ramos Slams Mayor Adams, Leaves Door Open for 2025 Primary Challenge
By John Tarleton

Complete Indypendent News Hour Interview with State Senator Jessica Ramos

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