New York City Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the city’s mayoral race on Sunday, ending his reelection bid.
In a nine-minute video shared on social media, Adams mentioned that ‘the constant media speculation’ about his future and the ‘finance board withholding millions of dollars’ have hindered his ability to secure the necessary funds for a serious campaign.
Adams added no additional clues about his future plans after leaving office. He did add this is ‘not the end of his public service’.
The bombshell move comes after speculation on if he would dropout to pave the way for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Adams was polling fourth, behind Zohran Mamdani, Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
‘This campaign was for the underserved, the marginalized, the abandoned and betrayed by government,’ the former mayor said.
‘Since then, it has been my honor to be your mayor, and 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,’ Adams stated in the video.
He highlighted achievements from his first term, such as reducing crime, boosting employment, and increasing funding for rental vouchers and child care.
He emphasized that New York must ‘continue the work we started,’ focusing on ‘lowering the cost of life and remaining committed to reducing crime and disorder.’
Adams did not endorse any of the other candidates, and even took subtle swipes at his opponents.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the city’s race, ending his reelection bid
Mayor Eric Adams speaks at a news conference at police headquarters in Manhattan, New York City on Thursday, September 18
‘Beware of those who claim the answer [is] to destroy the very system we built together over generations, that is not change, that is chaos.’
He urged New Yorkers ‘to choose leaders not by what they promise, but by what they deliver’.
A Cuomo campaign adviser told CNN they hope Adams’ decision will liberate some of the Black vote, suggesting that even a small percentage could influence the race.
Mamdani holds a 20 point lead in the current race despite President Donald Trump’s attempt to intervene.
If elected, Mamdani, 33, would be the youngest and most liberal mayor. He surpassed Cuomo in the Democratic primary by advocating for a promise to reduce living costs in New York City.
The 33-year-old candidate lashed at Cuomo in a statement released after Adams’ announcement.
‘New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another.
‘On November 4th, we are going to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas and deliver a government every New Yorker can be proud of,’ Mamdani said.
Republican Curtis Sliwa is still a mayoral contender, despite his own party undercutting him. Trump recently said he was ‘not exactly prime time.’
The president’s advisors have reportedly considered offering administration roles to both Adams and Sliwa in an effort to bolster the conservative vote behind Cuomo.
Adams will stay on the November 4 ballot, along with independent candidate Jim Walden, despite their election withdrawals.
Adams also admitted the dismissal of his federal case corruption case made it hard for New Yorkers to regain his trust.
Adams shared a video to social media explaining his bombshell move
‘I know some may seem unsure of me after the events surrounding my federal case, I was wrongfully charged because I fought for this city.
‘And if I had to do it again, I would fight for New York again.’
Adams was federally indicted by a grand jury following a wide-ranging corruption investigation.
He was the first New York City Mayor in history to face criminal charges as he was hit with a five-count indictment including bribery and fraud.
Adams insisted the prosecution was politically motivated and his case was sensationally dismissed and ordered to be dropped with prejudice.
He additionally issued a warning about extremism growing in politics in his nine minute video, adding that ‘children are being radicalized to hate our city’ and condemning political violence.
