Mayor Eric Adams, the Democratic incumbent running for reelection as an independent, recently attended a fundraiser in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, organized by right-wing influencers and activists. This event featured notable figures like MAGA influencer Tony Delgado and entrepreneur Hugo Sanchez, and drew attendees from groups such as the Fort Lauderdale Young Republicans and Moms for Liberty, which actively oppose LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools.
During the fundraiser, which was reported by Politico, Adams expressed gratitude for the financial backing that has helped keep his campaign viable. In a video shared on social media by Sanchez, he thanked Delgado and Sanchez directly. “I cannot thank you enough,” Adams stated. “You kept me on life support, and now I’m off life support, and I’m running around doing what I need to do.”
Delgado, a prominent Trump supporter known for his controversial views, has previously suggested that voting for Adams is a pragmatic choice for preventing New York City from becoming a ‘socialist hellhole.’ Despite his controversial narratives, Delgado has urged his followers to support Adams’ campaign, emphasizing the need for a unified front against what he perceives as a failing governance model in New York.
The fundraiser represents a trend in Adams’ campaign as he seeks to cultivate support from conservative voters. Recent opinion polls indicate that Adams is emerging as the second choice among Republican voters for the upcoming November election. This alignment with right-leaning individuals suggests a strategic pivot for Adams, who has acknowledged his dual support base from both Democrats and Republicans.
Adams’ schedule was notably blank on his trip to Florida, leading to scrutiny over the accountability of his travel. However, spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus clarified that the trip was financed by the campaign rather than taxpayer funds, and the mayor’s office is not legally obligated to notify the public regarding the mayor’s absence from the city.
The City Charter does require a temporary transfer of power to either the public advocate or the comptroller if the mayor is not present, though it does not necessitate public disclosure of such actions.
The fundraising trip included a recording of an hour-long episode on the PBD Podcast hosted by Patrick Bet-David, a conservative commentator known for his polarizing views. Bet-David has faced backlash for his promotion of white nationalist and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, in addition to vocal support of controversial conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.
In a segment during Adams’ podcast appearance, Bet-David expressed concerns over Adams’ Democratic opponent, Zohran Mamdani, who has faced Islamophobic attacks and extreme rhetoric as part of his campaign narrative. This aligns with a broader pattern of hostility aimed at Mamdani, which has included labeling him with extreme political titles.
When questioned about his collaboration with Florida Republicans, Adams’ campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro emphasized that the mayor is harnessing bipartisan support. “The mayor is a Democrat running as an independent; he has support from both Democrats and Republicans,” Shapiro noted, reinforcing the campaign’s strategy to broaden its appeal to a wider electorate.
As Adams’ campaign develops, this engagement with conservative figures may play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape leading up to the general election.
image source from：amny
