New York City mayor Eric Adams has abandoned his campaign for re-election, releasing a video message on Sunday declaring his withdrawal just five weeks before voters head to the polls.
The decision marks a dramatic end to a turbulent campaign marred by corruption charges, which were later dropped by the Trump administration, and a subsequent collapse in support. Adams, who was elected as a Democrat in 2021, had sought re-election as an independent but consistently trailed in polling.
In the video, filmed outside the mayoral residence with a portrait of his late mother, Adams said it had become impossible to mount a winning campaign. He pointed to “constant media speculation” and the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s refusal to release millions in matching funds over suspicious donations as key factors.
Adams admitted he had lost trust among some New Yorkers but insisted the charges were unjust. “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,” he said.
Although Adams will serve out the rest of his term until 31 December, his name will remain on the ballot because the legal deadline to withdraw has passed.
His exit clears the path for a three-way race between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani, a state assembly member who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, currently holds a commanding lead in opinion polls.
Cuomo, once sharply criticised by Adams, responded by praising the mayor’s decision to step aside, saying he had “put the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.” Without naming Mamdani, Cuomo warned of “destructive extremist forces” that he said could damage the city.
Mamdani spent Sunday campaigning in East New York, addressing a Black megachurch congregation. Pastor A R Bernard highlighted that if elected, Mamdani would not be the city’s first democratic socialist mayor, pointing to former mayor David Dinkins links to the Democratic Socialists of America.
Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, has insisted he remains in the race despite claiming he was offered money to withdraw.
With Adams gone, the battle for New York City’s top office is expected to intensify. Latest polling shows Mamdani leading Cuomo by over 20 points, with Sliwa trailing far behind.