On September 28, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced he would end his campaign for a second term, concluding a rocky tenure marked by scandal, corruption allegations, and mounting political pressure.
In a video address posted to X, Adams said, “It has been my honor to be your mayor.”
Adams, a 65-year-old Democrat turned independent, was first elected in 2021 and took office in 2022, vowing to be a “blue-collar mayor” who would focus on crime reduction.
His administration, however, faced constant setbacks—high-profile resignations, political missteps, and corruption allegations tied to foreign donors.
Federal Scrutiny and Trump Administration’s Role
Earlier in 2025, Adams’ political survival was tested when the Justice Department under President Donald Trump intervened to drop federal corruption charges against him.
The charges alleged he had accepted illegal gifts and campaign donations from foreign governments, including Turkey. Trump officials dismissed the case as politically motivated, and Adams strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced in September that Trump’s administration was considering Adams for a diplomatic post as ambassador to Saudi Arabia—a role Adams said he had not formally been offered.
Cuomo vs. Mamdani: The Race Ahead
Adams’ departure immediately reshaped the November mayoral race. His exit leaves former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, better positioned in a likely rematch against Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist who upset him in June’s Democratic primary.
- Zohran Mamdani’s Response: Mamdani criticized both Adams and Cuomo, accusing them of being controlled by Trump and wealthy donors. He vowed to deliver “a government every New Yorker can be proud of.”
- Curtis Sliwa’s Campaign Reaction: Daniel Kurzyna, spokesperson for Republican candidate Sliwa, avoided mention of Adams, instead framing Sliwa as the strongest challenger to Mamdani, citing unmatched resources and solutions for working-class New Yorkers.
- Andrew Cuomo’s Statement: Cuomo praised Adams for putting “the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition,” but warned of “destructive extremist forces” threatening the city’s future.
Political and Public Reactions
Adams’ decision to step aside was seen as the culmination of months of pressure from both political allies and opponents. Washington figures, including President Trump, had pushed for Adams’ exit to clear the way for a head-to-head contest between Mamdani and Cuomo.
NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Walker revealed Cuomo had canceled a scheduled appearance on the show just a day before Adams’ announcement. Instead, Cuomo addressed congregants at Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn, focusing on housing, gun violence, and his government experience.
Legacy and Next Steps
Adams’ time as mayor was defined by contrasts: a rise from working-class roots in Bushwick to the pinnacle of New York politics, but ultimately overshadowed by controversy and political missteps.
While his decision not to seek re-election ends his mayoral career after just one term, speculation remains about his potential future in public service, possibly on the national or diplomatic stage.
