New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday he is ending his reelection campaign—a move anticipated by supporters of Zohran Mamdani, who is considered a potent challenger by both the MAGA movement and some Democrats. CNN broke the news.
In a video posted on social media platform X, Adams explained his withdrawal: “Despite all we have accomplished, I cannot continue my reelection campaign. Constant media speculation about my future and the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to withhold millions of dollars have hurt my ability to raise funds.”
Adams emphasized that his campaign was meant to represent the neglected and overlooked: “This campaign was for the underserved, the marginalized, the abandoned and betrayed by government. It has been my honor to be your mayor, and I am proud to say that we turned the victory from four years ago into concrete actions to improve this city.”
Adams’ withdrawal is expected to benefit Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat who delivered a surprise defeat to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in June’s primary. Cuomo, now running as an independent, hopes to capture portions of the African American vote that had largely supported Adams.
CNN reports Cuomo’s allies had urged Adams for months to exit the race and improve Cuomo’s chances. President Donald Trump also indirectly intervened. One of Trump’s associates, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, reportedly met with Adams to discuss a possible role in the Trump administration as a diplomat.
Trailing in fourth place in most polls behind Mamdani, Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, Adams’ declining popularity had already cast doubts on his viability. Analysts cited by CNN note that while his departure may redistribute some votes, it is unlikely to fundamentally alter the dynamics of the race.
Democratic Party Divisions and Trump’s Shadow
Recent developments have given Mamdani more momentum. Governor Kathy Hochul and former Vice President Kamala Harris have endorsed him. Two prominent Democrats from New York, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have not yet made a public statement.
President Trump has described Mamdani’s potential election as a “threat to New York,” warning from the Oval Office: “We might end up with a communist mayor because the vote is fragmented. If people rallied behind one candidate, I think they’d have a good chance.”
Adams was elected in 2021 as New York’s second Black mayor. He campaigned on public safety and post-COVID economic recovery, presenting himself as a working-class mayor for a working-class city. His term was marred by corruption scandals involving close associates. He also faced a federal indictment, which was later dropped by the Trump-led Department of Justice.
The Campaign Finance Board repeatedly denied Adams access to public matching funds, citing lack of transparency in donations. Adams said the media fueled negative coverage that hurt his fundraising.
His withdrawal marks a symbolic turning point. Once hailed as a future leader of the Democratic Party, Adams has seen his tenure overshadowed by internal crises, corruption allegations, and deepening party divisions. The contest now shifts toward an unprecedented showdown between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, with Donald Trump’s influence continuing to loom over the race.
