On Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams announced he is ending his re-election campaign. Because of this shocking announcement, it means Adams will serve just one term as New York City Mayor, and it reshapes the 2025 mayoral race.
Adams Cites Funding Denial, Media Scrutiny
The announcement came in an eight-minute video filmed at Gracie Mansion. In the video, Adams announced he would suspend his campaign, which he was running as an independent. Adams said the reason for the suspension was due to the city’s Campaign Finance Board’s decision to withhold millions in matching funds and what he called constant negative press coverage.
“Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my re-election campaign,” Adams said.
Adams sat beside a photo of his late mother as he reflected on his tenure. He boasted about new housing construction, a record decline in murders and shootings, and a rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic downturn.
“The constant media speculation about my future and the CFB decision to withhold millions of dollars have undermined my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign,” Adams said.
The decision follows months of poor polling numbers. Adams consistently trailed his opponents and never recovered politically from corruption charges that were dropped earlier this year.
Race Now Centers on Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa
With Adams out, the field narrows to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent. Mamdani leads most polls but falls short of majority support, leaving an opening for moderates and independents to play a decisive role.
Adams declined to endorse anyone but issued a warning about “chaos” from those offering sweeping promises of free services, a clear reference to Mamdani. Cuomo has faced allegations of quietly coordinating with the Trump administration to gain an edge, which he denies.
Sliwa, meanwhile, claims he is the only candidate capable of beating Mamdani and has accused Cuomo allies of trying to bribe him out of the race, allegations Cuomo dismisses.
Mamdani was quick to respond to Adams’ exit. “New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another,” he said in a statement, linking Adams’ withdrawal to Cuomo and Trump.
A Legacy Cut Short
Adams, New York City’s second Black mayor, entered office in 2022 with promises to restore safety and affordability. Like the city’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins, his tenure will end after one term.
“It has been my honor to be your mayor,” Adams said. “I’m proud to say that we took that victory four years ago and turned it into action, making this city better for those who have been failed by government.”
While Adams pointed to achievements in housing, crime reduction, and economic recovery, his popularity never rebounded. Many New Yorkers said they saw little improvement in affordability or quality of life during his time in office.
What’s Next for Adams and the Race
Although Adams suspended his campaign, his name will remain on the November 4 ballot, since the withdrawal deadline has passed. His presence could still pull a small share of votes, though analysts say Cuomo is best positioned to benefit from Adams’ departure.
Adams has not revealed his next steps but urged New Yorkers to “choose leaders not by what they promise, but by what they deliver.”
With less than six weeks to go, the contest now turns into a three-way fight between Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa in a race that could reshape New York City’s political future for years to come.
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