New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reignited his pro-crypto agenda as the Democratic primary heats up, taking sharp aim at former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Speaking at the Permissionless conference in Brooklyn, Adams accused Cuomo of crippling the state’s digital asset industry, calling his policies “wrong” and “misguided.” As residents prepare to vote in a tense primary, Adams positioned himself as the crypto-forward candidate, despite running as an independent.

Adams outlined plans to establish a dedicated city council to champion crypto-friendly legislation and expand blockchain education in schools. He also aims to explore using cryptocurrencies for city payments and hinted at launching a Bitcoin-backed municipal bond, despite opposition from city officials who called the move “legally dubious.”

While Adams praised recent federal momentum on crypto regulation, he warned that New York must keep pace or risk falling behind. His stance contrasts sharply with Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations but now leads in several polls ahead of Democratic rival Zohran Mamdani.

Adams, who famously took his first three mayoral paychecks in Bitcoin, confirmed he still holds the cryptocurrency despite market volatility. He is expected to face Republican Curtis Sliwa — another crypto proponent — along with the Democratic nominee in November’s general election.

However, Adams’ reelection bid is shadowed by ongoing federal investigations into alleged illegal donations from Turkish sources. The Justice Department’s involvement, reportedly influenced by Trump-era officials, has fueled claims of politically motivated targeting within the mayor’s office.