Adrienne Adams Again Announces Victory In Council Speaker Race

NEW YORK CITY — Adrienne Adams yet again claimed victory in the race to be the City Council's next speaker — and this time it looks like it'll stick.

Adams announced Friday she secured support of 33 out of 51 Council members for the speaker post.

"Our coalition reflects the best of our city," she said in a statement. "We are ready to come together to solve the enormous challenges we face in order to not just recover from Covid but to build a better, fairer City that works for everyone."

The announcement put an end to a topsy-turvy race for Council speaker that culminated in a bizarre Tuesday during which both Adams and her rival Francisco Moya claimed victory.

Moya, who had the backing of mayor-elect Eric Adams, acknowledged his defeat Friday.

"At this point, it is clear that I do not have a path to victory," he tweeted.

"I have worked alongside Councilmember @AdrienneEAdams1 for many years. She is a dedicated and thoughtful leader who I know will work closely with all councilmembers. I will fully support her leadership as we continue to fight the devastation of the pandemic."

I am proud to have brought together a broad coalition of leaders from all corners of the city who supported my campaign as the next Speaker of the City Council. At this point, it is clear that I do not have a path to victory.
🧵thread [1/2]
— Francisco Moya (@FranciscoMoyaNY) December 17, 2021

Adrienne Adams credited an "inclusive and diverse coalition," which included key support from labor unions such as District 37, with her victory.

Eric Adams, who is not related to Adrienne Adams, congratulated her.

"I look forward to working with her in partnership," he tweeted.

Let me be the first to congratulate my good friend Adrienne Adams on securing the votes to become the City Council’s speaker and making history. I look forward to working with her in partnership. @AdrienneEAdams1
— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) December 17, 2021