Today's News: New York City Mayor Eric Adams Ends Re-election Campaign

Citing constant media speculation and the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to deny him public matching funds, Adams concluded his campaign amidst low poll numbers and a cloud of scandal.

Terrence Dorsey

Sep 29, 2025

Photo: José A. Alvarado Jr. for The New York Times

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Date: September 28, 2025
Summary: New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced his withdrawal from the mayoral re-election race, just five weeks before Election Day. Citing constant media speculation and the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to deny him public matching funds, Adams concluded his campaign amidst low poll numbers and a cloud of scandal, including dismissed federal corruption charges. His exit reshapes the race, potentially consolidating opposition against front-runner Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Sources

Key Points

Eric Adams announced his withdrawal from the New York City mayoral re-election race via a video message on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
He cited “constant media speculation” about his future and the Campaign Finance Board’s decision to withhold millions in public matching funds as key reasons for his inability to continue a serious campaign.
Adams’ re-election bid had been “foundering” with “anemic poll numbers” and a “cloud of scandal” around City Hall, including federal corruption charges that were later dismissed.
His departure is seen as an attempt to narrow the field and potentially consolidate opposition against the Democratic nominee and front-runner, Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist.
Both former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and President Donald Trump had openly advocated for Adams to drop out to improve Cuomo’s chances against Mamdani.
Adams did not endorse a successor but issued veiled warnings about “insidious forces” pushing “divisive agendas” or “destructive extremist forces” in city politics, widely interpreted as critiques of Mamdani.
Andrew Cuomo praised Adams’ decision, framing it as prioritizing the city’s well-being and echoing warnings about “destructive extremist forces.”
Mamdani’s campaign responded by accusing Donald Trump and “billionaire donors” of attempting to “dictate the results of this election” and called for voters to reject “disgraced, corrupt politician[s].”
Despite his withdrawal, Adams’ name will remain on the November ballot because the deadline to change it has passed.
Adams was the city’s second Black mayor and will be the first New York City leader to serve just one term since David N. Dinkins.

Unique Highlights

The New York Times reveals that Adams’ prepared remarks for his withdrawal video included venting about former Governor Andrew Cuomo, calling him “a snake and a liar,” but these comments were cut from the final video, raising questions about a potential future endorsement.
The New York Times provides a character profile of Eric Adams, detailing his unique public persona, including having his eyebrows threaded in public, claiming bubble baths with roses, and musing about carrying a handgun in church. It also quotes his maxims: “I’m perfectly imperfect” and “I am you.” The article recounts Rev. Al Sharpton’s anecdote about Adams’ response (“I’m going to do me”) when advised on appearances.
CNN notes that State and national Democrats, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and former Vice President Kamala Harris, are increasingly coalescing around Zohran Mamdani, partly due to President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the race in Andrew Cuomo’s favor.
NBC News mentions that Adams had, just days before his announcement, declared on social media that he was “not going anywhere,” and that his announcement was first reported by The New York Post.
Fox News highlights specific economic proposals from Mamdani, such as free buses, city-owned grocery stores, and rent freezes, and reports on the alarm these have caused on Wall Street. It quotes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning of a potential financial crisis and a “drop dead” response from Washington to a bailout request.
The Washington Post details Zohran Mamdani’s specific stance on Israel, stating he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he came to New York. It also notes Mamdani’s campaign reached New York City’s $8 million spending cap with an average contribution of $25 per person.
The Wall Street Journal specifies that business leaders and real-estate developers were “desperate to stop” Zohran Mamdani, and that Adams’ “poor showing made him a bad bet for donors.” It also details that the “company Adams keeps” remained a liability, citing additional charges against an adviser and another allegedly trying to give a reporter cash in a potato chip bag.

Contrasting Details

Adams’ rationale for federal charges dismissal: Eric Adams claimed he was “wrongfully charged because I fought for this city” (The New York Times, The Washington Post). However, The New York Times and CNN describe the dismissal of the charges by Trump’s Justice Department as an “apparent quid pro quo” for Adams’ cooperation with Trump’s immigration agenda. The Washington Post notes the controversial aspect where the Justice Department denied a request to retain the option of reinstating charges, making it appear Adams was beholden to government demands, while The Wall Street Journal states critics said the dismissal left Adams “beholden to Trump.”
Donald Trump’s involvement and denials: Multiple sources (The New York Times, CNN, NBC News, The Wall Street Journal) detail talks between Trump allies/administration officials and Adams about potential jobs, such as an ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia, and Trump’s open desire for Adams to drop out. However, The Washington Post reports that Trump denied encouraging Adams to drop out or offering him a role in the administration.
Adams’ public vs. private stance on staying in the race: While NBC News highlights Adams’ public declaration days prior that he was “not going anywhere” and dismissed “all of the noise, all of the rumors,” The New York Times states that behind the scenes, Adams “had been exploring potential exit ramps to avoid an embarrassing finish” and that his advisers engaged in negotiations for an ambassadorship.
Impact of Adams’ withdrawal on the vote distribution: The New York Times suggests Adams’ single-digit support means the number of votes he will free up for other candidates will be “limited.” CNN states it’s “not clear how many votes” the withdrawal might throw to Cuomo. NBC News notes that limited public polling showed Cuomo benefiting, but a critical mass of voters also still siding with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and that Cuomo’s best shot comes in a one-on-one race. The Wall Street Journal states that with Adams out, Cuomo stands a “somewhat better chance,” but Sliwa remaining still leaves it a three-way contest.
Donald Trump’s view on Zohran Mamdani’s potential mayoralty: CNN notes that Trump has described Mamdani’s potential mayoralty as a “threat to New York,” saying he would have to “take over” the city, but at other times suggested a Mamdani victory would “help the Republican Party.”

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