NYC mayor calls Lightfoot's Chicago loss 'warning sign' of voters' views on crime

New York City's Mayor Eric Adams said that fellow Democrat Mayor Lori Lightfoot's failed reelection bid in Chicago is a "warning sign for the country" about how leaders need to have a tough stance on crime.

CNN's "State of the Union" anchor Dana Bash asked Adams on Sunday whether Lightfoot's loss was a "warning sign" for his reelection prospects in New York.

"To the contrary, I think it's a warning sign for the country," Adams responded.

Bash said that some Democrats have criticized Adams for hurting his own party by feeding into Republicans' narrative that there is too much crime.

"You know the difference between a comment like that and what I say? I listen to Americans and New Yorkers," Adams said. "I speak to everyday working-class people, and they were concerned about safety."

Lightfoot conceded defeat after placing third last month in Chicago's mayoral race. The leading candidate, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, focused much of his campaign on fighting crime. Vallas, who received one-third of the vote, will advance to a runoff against Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson.