By Dick LaFontaine and Rick LaRivière
As buzz grows about Mayor Eric Adams potentially resigning, Libertarian John Tabacco quietly rallies support for a possible mayoral run. Tabacco, a Staten Island native and vocal critic of Adams’ handling of illegal migration, says he's ready to step in if a special election is called.
“If the allegations against Adams are even half true, he should step aside,” Tabacco said in an interview. “I’ve taken on De Blasio, Cuomo, and Adams to end lockdowns and mask mandates, and I’ve stood by New Yorkers against vaccine mandates. I fought to close illegal migrant shelters. If Adams resigns, I’ll be the people’s candidate to fix this city.”
Federal prosecutors have charged Adams with accepting bribes from Turkish nationals in exchange for pushing through questionable building permits. Adams has denied wrongdoing, but if he resigns or is removed from office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will assume the role of acting mayor. Williams would then call for a nonpartisan special election, where Tabacco says he would jump into the race.
Tabacco, the Anti-Illegal Migrant Firebrand
John Tabacco’s rise to political prominence began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he spearheaded protests against lockdowns and mandates. Teaming up with artist and activist Scott LoBaido, Tabacco took on New York City’s political elites, railing against what he saw as government overreach. Now, with the city struggling under the weight of illegal migration and its mayor facing federal charges, Tabacco sees an opportunity to lead.
“I’ve fought for New Yorkers against these insane mandates and stood with cops, teachers, nurses, and firefighters. I also fought and won to close illegal migrant shelters,” Tabacco said. “This city has been destroyed by Adams and his crooked friends. It’s time someone stepped up for the people.”
Republican insiders from Staten Island say Tabacco has already secured a nearly $1 million campaign budget, setting the stage for a socially liberal, fiscally conservative platform. His top priorities include ending illegal migration and redistributing leftover migrant funds to struggling New Yorkers. He’s also working on a bold plan to allow NYCHA residents to take ownership of their homes.
Political Experts: Tabacco Could Be a Contender
Savvy political observers say Tabacco could show strongly if Adams steps down and a special election is called. Voter turnout for a citywide special election is expected to be low, around 600,000 people, giving candidates like Tabacco an edge if they can rally their base.
“If Tabacco can sweep Staten Island, along with red-leaning sections of Queens and Brooklyn, he’s got a shot,” said one Republican strategist.
Tabacco has a reputation for cutting through the political noise. As the son of a retired NYPD officer, he brings a law-and-order appeal that resonates with many New Yorkers frustrated with the city’s current leadership.
He’s also been able to cross party lines, having been appointed by Democratic Governor David Paterson to serve on the New York State Pension Reform Committee, where he developed bipartisan credibility.
A Libertarian in the Mix
Though known for his libertarian leanings, Tabacco has positioned himself as a candidate who can appeal to a broad swath of New Yorkers. His fiscally conservative but socially liberal platform focuses on giving more power back to the people, especially on issues like illegal immigration and housing.
“One of my main goals is to allow NYCHA residents to own their homes. We need to empower people, not make them reliant on the government,” Tabacco said.
His stance on illegal immigration has earned him both supporters and critics. Tabacco has led anti-migrant protests in Staten Island, pushing back against Mayor Adams' policy of turning local shelters into temporary housing for asylum seekers. His efforts led to the closure of a migrant shelter that violated fire codes, a victory he touts as proof of his ability to get things done.
“Staten Island is a close-knit community, and we’re fed up with the way this city is being run. We need to take care of our own before we try to solve the world’s problems,” Tabacco said. “I love immigrants—my ancestors were immigrants—but they came here legally. That’s all I’m asking.”
The Political Landscape
If Adams resigns, the political landscape in New York City could shift dramatically. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor, a prospect Tabacco and many others find unappealing. Williams, a Democratic Socialist, has been a vocal supporter of progressive policies, including defunding the police and expanding social services.
“Williams would turn this city into another San Francisco,” Tabacco warned. “We need to take back City Hall for the people of New York, not let it fall into the hands of extremists.”
Tabacco’s potential candidacy has already garnered attention from political insiders. With a solid support base in Staten Island and a knack for drawing media attention, he could become a serious contender in a special election.
“New Yorkers are fed up,” Tabacco said. “It’s time for real leadership. I’ll be the people’s candidate, and I’ll take back this city.”
What’s Next?
While Adams continues to deny the charges against him, pressure is mounting for him to step aside. If a special election is called, Tabacco’s mix of libertarian ideals, populist messaging, and track record of activism could make him a formidable candidate in the race to lead New York City.
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