Eric Adams Drops Out of NYC Mayor’s Race — What Made Him Quit?

Eric Adams, the current New York mayor, at the UN’s General Assembly in New York City on Friday © Kylie Cooper/Reuters

New York, NY – 28 September 2025 - Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that he is suspending his re-election campaign, effectively exiting the November 4 mayoral race just five weeks before voters head to the polls. The decision, shared in a reflective social media video underscored by Frank Sinatra's "My Way," leaves Adams' name on ballots as an independent candidate but signals the end of his active bid for a second term."

Despite all we've achieved, I cannot continue my re-election campaign," Adams stated in the video. He attributed the move to relentless media scrutiny and a critical blow from the city's Campaign Finance Board, which denied him access to millions in public matching funds, crippling his fundraising efforts. Adams, who shifted to a third-party line after his Democratic standing crumbled, did not endorse any rivals but took a subtle swipe at progressive frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, cautioning against leaders who would "destroy the system" with "divisive agendas."

The announcement caps a turbulent tenure for the former NYPD captain, whose 2021 victory on a tough-on-crime platform has been eclipsed by federal corruption charges. Adams was indicted on September 26, 2024, by the Southern District of New York on five counts including bribery, wire fraud, and solicitation of illegal foreign campaign contributions.Prosecutors alleged he accepted over $100,000 in luxury travel, meals, and other perks from Turkish officials in exchange for regulatory favors, abusing his position for nearly a decade to secure personal benefits and illicit funds.Adams pleaded not guilty, denying all wrongdoing.

The case took a dramatic turn in April 2025 when a federal judge dismissed the indictment with prejudice, permanently barring retrial.The dismissal came amid the Trump administration's Department of Justice pivot, reportedly seeking Adams' cooperation on immigration enforcement, though the judge acted independently despite administration preferences.The saga nonetheless tanked Adams' popularity, with approval ratings dipping below 30% amid persistent complaints over housing costs, homelessness, and subway safety.

Pre-dropout polls painted a bleak picture for the incumbent. A Suffolk University survey released last week showed Adams mired at 8% among likely voters, trailing far behind Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani's 45%, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 25%, and Republican Curtis Sliwa's 9%. Other recent polls echoed the trend: A Marist Poll from September 16 gave Mamdani a 21-point edge over Cuomo in a multi-candidate field,

 while a Quinnipiac University poll pegged Mamdani at 45% overall. A New York Times/Siena poll found Mamdani's lead shrinking to 10 points in head-to-head scenarios but still dominant in the crowded race.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman who stunned the field by winning the June Democratic primary, has surged on promises of affordable housing, police reform, and climate action. Cuomo, mounting a comeback after his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations, appeals to moderates with his experience on infrastructure and economic recovery. Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder and 2021 GOP nominee, rounds out the top tier with a populist, safety-focused message.

Adams' withdrawal could consolidate anti-Mamdani votes. President Donald Trump, who has eyed the race closely, recently urged Adams and Sliwa to exit for a clearer Cuomo-Mamdani showdown, lamenting the risk of a "communist" victory in the nation's largest city.

Reactions flooded in quickly. Mamdani celebrated the news as a step toward accountability, posting on X: "New Yorkers deserve leaders who prioritize people over scandals—today's a win for transparency and progress." Cuomo struck a pragmatic tone: "This race is about results, not distractions. I'm committed to delivering for working families." Sliwa, ever the showman, quipped on social media: "One down—now let's team up to keep the socialists out of City Hall." City Comptroller Brad Lander, a primary foe, dubbed Adams' saga "a stark reminder of power's perils."

Adams exits with a polarized legacy: Supporters credit him with slashing homicides to historic lows and investing billions in youth initiatives post-COVID. Detractors highlight cronyism, migrant policy clashes, and unaddressed affordability crises. He will complete his term through January 1, 2026.

With Adams sidelined, the path to Gracie Mansion tilts further toward Mamdani, though Cuomo's consolidation potential and New York's fickle voters keep the contest alive. Analysts predict a tighter race as endorsements and debates loom.