The Perez Notes: A Conversation with Azi Paybarah

In this episode of The Perez Notes, we engage with Azi Paybarah, a seasoned political journalist at The Washington Post. With a rich background covering politics for The New York Times, Politico New York, and as a Knight-Wallace Fellow in 2017, Paybarah offers an informed perspective on the current political climate.

Our discussion delves into:

• President Trump’s Influence on New York Politics: We explore President Donald Trump’s recent decision to revoke federal support for New York City’s congestion pricing program, a move that has sparked legal challenges and debates about urban transportation policies. 

• Mayor Eric Adams’ Re-election Bid Amidst Controversy: We examine Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign for a second term, his recent indictment on federal corruption charges (which were later dismissed), and the implications of these events on his political standing. 

• The 2025 Mayoral Race Dynamics: We analyze the upcoming mayoral election, highlighting key candidates such as former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who leads early polls with 33%, and other prominent figures like Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, and Scott Stringer. 

Join us for an insightful conversation that navigates the complexities of New York’s political landscape in 2025.