New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday said he’ll end his bid for reelection. He made the announcement in a video on X, telling city residents it was an “honor to be your mayor.”
“Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams said in his video Sunday. “The constant media speculation about my future and the campaign finance board’s decision to withhold millions of dollars, have undermined my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign.”
There have been rumors circulating on social and traditional media that Adams was going to drop out of the race to take a job with President Donald Trump’s administration. However, Adams previously maintained that he was staying in the race.
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In an interview with WPIX, Adams admitted to meeting with several political figures in Florida but denied being offered a position with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Some outlets also reported Trump was considering Adams for ambassador to Saudi Arabia, though the mayor said he had not been given a formal offer.
Adams, in September 2024, was indicted on five charges, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two charges relating to receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals. He was accused of soliciting and taking illegal gifts and donations from Turkey’s government, among others. Adams pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Department of Justice under Trump dropped the federal corruption charges, arguing that the criminal case was politically motivated.
Other NYC mayor candidates react
Adams, in numerous surveys, was polling the lowest compared to candidates Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani.
Adams on Sunday said that he will continue working in “public service,” but did not say exactly what he will be doing.
Mamdani, in a statement, criticized both the mayor and Cuomo in a statement after Adams’ announcement, according to USA TODAY.
“Donald Trump and his billionaire donors might be able to determine Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo’s actions but they will not dictate the results of this election,” Mamdani said. “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.”
A spokesperson for Curtis Sliwa’s campaign, Daniel Kurzyna, told USA Today that “Curtis Sliwa is the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani,” without mentioning Adams.
“Our team, our resources, and our funding are unmatched,” he said. “Most importantly, we have the best solutions to help working people afford to stay in New York City and feel safe.”
Cuomo praised Adams, saying the choice he made “was not an easy one, but I believe he is sincere in putting the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.”
” Whatever differences we may have, Eric Adams’ story is undeniably one of resilience — a testament to the spirit of this city,” Cuomo said on X.
