New York City Mayor Eric Adams officially ended his reelection campaign on Sunday, signaling a significant shift in the city's political landscape. This decision comes after a tumultuous year marked by scandals and political strife, which significantly hampered his ability to campaign credibly. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Adams expressed pride in his accomplishments during his tenure as mayor but acknowledged that the dismissal of his federal corruption case had left voters skeptical of his integrity. He noted that “constant media speculation” regarding his future made it difficult to raise the necessary funds for a serious campaign.
In his statement, Adams remarked, “Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign.” While he refrained from endorsing any of the remaining candidates, he cautioned New Yorkers about the “insidious forces” attempting to manipulate local government for their own divisive agendas. “That is not change, that is chaos,” he emphasized, urging voters to select leaders based on their track record of delivering results rather than mere promises.
Adams' withdrawal could bolster the campaign of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a centrist who has positioned himself as the only candidate capable of defeating the Democratic nominee, state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. However, it remains uncertain whether Adams' supporters will shift their loyalty to Cuomo, given the controversies surrounding him. If elected, Mamdani, 33, would become the youngest and most liberal mayor in generations, having secured a decisive victory over Cuomo in the Democratic primary by advocating for policies aimed at reducing the cost of living in one of the world's priciest cities.
Following Adams' announcement, Mamdani criticized Cuomo, stating, “New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another.” He vowed to “turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas” in the upcoming election on November 4th. Cuomo, responding on social media, praised Adams for prioritizing the well-being of New York City over personal ambition, while warning of “destructive extremist forces” threatening the city.
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa remains in the race, although his campaign has faced challenges from within his party, including critical remarks from former President Donald Trump. Despite rumors about Adams potentially dropping out of the race amid speculation, Sliwa has insisted that he is in it to win. “Curtis Sliwa is the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani,” his spokesperson asserted on Sunday.
Speculation about Adams' viability as a candidate has been rampant for the past year, primarily due to the fallout from a bribery case and criticism over his close relationship with Trump. Adams, who skipped the Democratic primary to run as an independent, faced dire polling numbers, with early September surveys indicating that both Mamdani and Cuomo had stronger support from likely voters.
Adams, 65, is the city's second Black mayor and previously served as a police captain and Brooklyn borough president. He entered office in 2022 with a focus on crime reduction and revitalizing the city post-pandemic. While he has made progress in lowering crime rates, his tenure has been overshadowed by ongoing scandals and federal investigations. Recently, federal prosecutors charged him with accepting illegal campaign contributions in exchange for political favors, further complicating his reelection bid.
Despite the controversies, Adams has maintained his innocence and pledged to remain in office. His ability to navigate the tumultuous political environment, including his interactions with Trump and subsequent investigations, has raised questions about the integrity of his administration. Following Adams' announcement, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has endorsed Mamdani, expressed pride in working alongside him, stating he leaves the city “better than he inherited it.”
