Adams Campaign Faces Scrutiny for Forged Signatures

A Gothamist investigation found that New York City Mayor Eric Adams' re-election campaign submitted nearly 50,000 signatures to qualify as an independent candidate, including at least 52 that were forged or fraudulently obtained, such as those from deceased individuals. This far exceeded the required 7,500 signatures, and Adams downplayed the fraudulent signatures as a common issue in petitioning. Election law experts and critics raised concerns over the unusually high number of forged signatures, pointing to systemic flaws—especially when outside contractors are involved. Evidence of similar handwriting and large numbers of signatures from single workers fueled further suspicion of widespread irregularities. Adams has ordered a review of the signatures and denied instructing anyone to break the law, while maintaining that irregularities are typical in the process. The revelations have complicated the mayoral race and highlighted issues in the city's petition-gathering practices.