New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended the birthday celebration of billionaire John Catsimatidis at Cipriani 42nd Street, shortly after publicly reaffirming his commitment to remain in the mayoral race. The event, themed with patriotic flair, drew a crowd of political and media elites, highlighting the ongoing dynamics in the city’s election landscape.
The evening was marked by a ‘black tie glamour with patriotic sparkle’ dress code, with chandeliers at the venue glowing in red, white, and blue. Lookalikes of American icons such as Abraham Lincoln and the Statue of Liberty mingled with guests, creating a festive and nationalistic atmosphere. Adams arrived directly after a speech at Gracie Mansion where he defiantly stated his intention to continue his campaign, making his presence at the party a statement of resilience.
Despite Adams’ attendance, many guests urged Catsimatidis to run for mayor himself, a suggestion he politely declined. The billionaire supermarket magnate has long been a powerbroker in New York politics, with connections to both Adams and other candidates like GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa. His influence was palpable throughout the evening, as attendees sought his counsel and support.
Margo Catsimatidis, John’s wife, was introduced as the ‘First Lady of New York City,’ which elicited cheers from the ballroom. This moment underscored the family’s significant role in the city’s social and political scenes. The Catsimatidis couple has hosted this annual September bash for years, originally at the Metropolitan Club and now at Cipriani to align with John’s birthday and the WABC radio gala.
Entertainment featured performances by country icon Lee Greenwood singing ‘God Bless the USA,’ followed by tenor Christopher Macchio, former ‘SNL’ star Joe Piscopo, and radio host Bruce ‘Cousin Brucie’ Morrow. Vinnie Medugno also performed Tony Orlando’s ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’ in Orlando’s absence, adding to the celebratory mood. These acts reinforced the event’s patriotic theme and broad appeal.
Notable attendees included Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez, and business leaders like Bruce Mosler of Cushman & Wakefield. Also present were Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joseph Cairo, and former Douglas Elliman CEO Howard Lorber. The diverse guest list reflected the intersection of politics, media, and business in New York.
John Catsimatidis’ actual birthday is on September 7, and the party served as the annual WABC radio gala. Since the Catsimatidis family took over the radio station, it has risen from number 28 to number 1 in talk radio, demonstrating their media clout. The event was sponsored by Goya, and past iterations have hosted figures like Chuck Schumer and David Paterson.
Adams’ appearance comes amid speculation about his mayoral future, with reports of discussions about him potentially stepping down for a role in the Trump administration. This party provided a platform for behind-the-scenes negotiations and reaffirmed his active engagement in the city’s power circles, setting the stage for further developments in the race.