Eric Adams Withdraws from NYC Mayoral Race

Mayor Eric Adams Ends Re-Election Campaign Amid Controversy

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially ended his re-election campaign, just five weeks before the election. His decision came after a long period of struggling in the polls and facing significant challenges from both the media and the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB). Adams, who had been running on a slogan that promised "Always Delivers. Never quits," said he could no longer continue his campaign.

In an eight-minute video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Adams explained that despite the progress made during his time in office, he could not continue. He pointed to repeated rumors about his departure and the CFB’s refusal to grant him public funding as key reasons for his decision. According to the CFB, Adams’ campaign did not submit the necessary paperwork and allegedly hindered their investigation into potential legal violations.

Adams also expressed concern over the impact of constant media speculation and the CFB’s decision to withhold millions of dollars in public funds. He stated that these factors made it difficult for his campaign to raise enough money for a serious run. Despite stepping down, Adams hopes that New Yorkers will see the city thrive under the policies he has implemented.

He acknowledged that some voters remain unsure of him due to the ongoing federal case against him. Adams claimed he was wrongfully charged because he fought for the city. Last September, he was indicted by the federal government on charges of bribery and campaign finance violations. The U.S. Attorney at the time, Damian Williams, stated that Adams abused his position as the city's highest elected official to take bribes and solicit illegal campaign contributions.

Adams’ relationship with the Trump administration has also drawn scrutiny. As a Democrat, he began working closely with the administration, helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents identify and detain immigrants for deportation. In February, he appeared on Fox News with Trump border czar Tom Homan, stating that he was collaborating with the administration on its immigration crackdown.

Months later, the Justice Department requested the dismissal of the charges against Adams without prejudice, which would allow the government to pursue the case again. However, the judge dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled. The ruling criticized the abrupt dismissal, suggesting it might have been a quid pro quo involving immigration policy concessions.

Adams and his attorneys have denied any such deal took place. However, a letter from two of his attorneys to Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove requested the charges be dropped so Adams could assist Trump with immigration. They argued that it would be untenable for the mayor to balance his trial with his role in supporting Homeland Security efforts.

In his announcement video, Adams did not endorse another candidate for mayor. Instead, he urged voters to be cautious and warned against the rise of extremism in politics and political violence. He subtly criticized Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, who is running on a platform of sweeping change, including freezing rents and offering free child care.

Adams warned that those promising to destroy the system were not bringing change but chaos. As of recent reports, Mamdani holds an 18- to 20-point lead in the race. Adams also did not publicly support former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic nomination to Mamdani.

Centrist Democrats and even Donald Trump have expressed hope that Adams would drop out to increase Cuomo’s chances. The Trump administration has even suggested possible jobs for Adams if he leaves the race. However, Adams denied any White House involvement, stating that the offers were hypothetical and based on his past work in the city.

Mamdani responded to the news by holding a press conference, accusing the Trump administration of meddling in the mayoral election. He called the situation an affront to democracy, emphasizing that New Yorkers should choose their leaders, not have them picked by the president.