A recent New York Times/Siena College poll reveals that only 12 percent of voters are willing to commit to backing him for reelection. The poll indicates a majority disapprove of his performance, with crime, immigration, and cost of living being primary concerns for voters.

Adams' troubles deepen as three-quarters of those surveyed believe he acted either illegally or unethically, while a mere 7 percent believe he did nothing wrong. The centrist mayor finds more sympathy among Republicans, with 40 percent suspecting he acted illegally compared to 52 percent of Democrats. Last month, Adams pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment for bribery and corruption, leading to the dismissal of several top aides involved in separate investigations.

Support within his multiracial base has weakened significantly. While 41 percent of Black respondents still approve of his performance, only 26 percent of Hispanics and 17 percent of whites share the same sentiment. Particularly notable is the sharp disapproval among Latinos, with 54 percent expressing strong disapproval. Last year's Quinnipiac University survey saw his approval rating plummet to a historical low of 28 percent due to widespread dissatisfaction with budget cuts.

In the wake of these findings, 53 percent of respondents believe Adams should resign. If Adams does choose to run for reelection, he will face little-known Democratic challengers who are polling in single digits. However, prominent figures like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Tish James loom as potential threats. Cuomo leads the field with 22 percent support, narrowly edging out James at 19 percent. Both Cuomo and James would need to secure funding rapidly for a June primary or a potential earlier election if Adams resigns.

Cuomo appears to have slightly more appeal among independents and Republicans, which could be advantageous in a nonpartisan election. Both he and James have significantly outpaced declared candidates, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, who garners only 4 percent support. Other candidates like Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie, and Jessica Ramos are polling even lower.

Lander, Myrie, and Stringer have over $200,000 each as they await matching funds, while Ramos trails behind in fundraising. State Senator Zohran Mamdani is also a notable entrant, receiving substantial backing from donors and the city's Democratic Socialists of America, although he was not included in the poll.

Candidates are targeting Adams' corruption issues and the city's high cost of living but may benefit from focusing on crime. Nearly half of those surveyed believe crime is "out of control," despite NYPD data indicating a nearly 10 percent reduction in overall crime this year. However, felony assaults have risen, and public sentiment remains that the city is unsafe.

Senior citizens, Hispanics, and residents of the Bronx and Staten Island express the highest concern over crime, reflecting a mix of financially distressed and working-class demographics as well as conservative-leaning voters. While crime is a top issue for three-quarters of Republicans, only 37 percent of Democrats share this stance, mirroring national political divides.