DC 37 Supports Adrienne Adams in NYC Mayoral Race with Major Funding

NEW YORK, NY — District Council 37, a prominent public sector union, has launched an independent expenditure committee in support of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams‘ campaign for mayor of New York City. The committee, named “Competent New York,” aims to provide significant funding behind her bid, following a press conference where the union prominently endorsed her in April.

Last week, Red Horse Strategies, a consultancy involved in Mayor Eric Adams‘ 2021 campaign, received nearly $300,000 from the new committee to assist in Speaker Adams’ campaign. While the total amount of funding is not fully disclosed, a spokesperson for DC 37 indicated that it will be in the “high six figures.” This financial support follows a direct donation of $2,100 made to Speaker Adams’ campaign in May.

DC 37 had earlier announced their support for Speaker Adams alongside endorsements for Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and state Senator Zellnor Myrie, but only Adams was featured during the endorsement press conference.

Red Horse’s involvement marks their first engagement in the 2025 mayoral race. Though active in City Council and borough president campaigns this year, they have yet to work on any mayoral campaigns since 2021. Adams, despite her active campaign, has not emerged as the frontrunner in this competitive race. Recent polls show her with approximately 8% of Democratic votes in a rankings choice simulation, placing her in fifth position.

Her campaign has received public matching funds, allowing for the production of her first television ads. While DC 37’s independent spending allows flexibility in funding, they are prohibited from coordinating directly with the campaigns they support.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo currently leads the Democratic primary race with a super PAC, Fix the City, raising over $10 million. Speaker Adams faces challenges in establishing significant name recognition and magnifying her support among voters as the primary approaches on June 24.