New York City Mayor Eric Adams ended his reelection campaign on Sunday, just five weeks before Election Day. In a nearly nine-minute video posted on social media and set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Adams said, “Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my re-election campaign.” He cited the constant media speculation about his future and the city’s Campaign Finance Board’s decision to withhold millions of dollars in matching funds. That decision, combined with corruption scandals and weak fundraising, left his campaign unable to compete.
Adams described his administration as focused on crime reduction, housing affordability, and economic recovery, but admitted he could not build the financial and political support to carry on. His exit comes after weeks of speculation that he might step aside to clear a path for Andrew Cuomo, who is running an independent campaign after losing the Democratic primary.
The Numbers for the Remaining Candidates
The race now centers on three major contenders: Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Recent polls show Mamdani holding a commanding lead, beating Cuomo by more than 20 points. Even when voters were asked about a race without Adams, Mamdani maintained a double-digit advantage.
Mamdani’s support comes largely from younger and progressive voters energized by his proposals for affordability measures such as free buses, city-owned grocery stores, and rent freezes. Cuomo trails well behind but is hoping Adams’ withdrawal frees up some of the Black vote. Sliwa, meanwhile, argues he is the only candidate who can challenge Mamdani, claiming unmatched resources and funding.
Adams has not endorsed any candidate, though his comments suggested skepticism toward Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform. Cuomo’s campaign is openly courting Adams’ supporters, believing even a small shift could make the race more competitive. One adviser to Cuomo said Adams’ exit could help consolidate moderate voters.
However, Mamdani’s camp has dismissed the idea that Adams’ withdrawal changes the fundamentals. “Andrew Cuomo wanted nothing more than a one-on-one fight with me,” Mamdani said. “And we gave him exactly that, and then we beat him by 13 points.”
Mamdani framed Adams’ exit as a rejection of “big money and small ideas,” saying billionaire donors may influence Adams and Cuomo but cannot dictate the election. He added that New York deserves better than trading “one disgraced, corrupt politician for another.”
Cuomo, in contrast, praised Adams for “putting the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.” He acknowledged Adams’ resilience and said the city still had a chance to stop what he called “destructive extremist forces.”
Sliwa reiterated that he would remain in the race, rejecting what he claimed were offers of money to drop out. His campaign insisted he was the strongest challenger to Mamdani.
Wider Reactions and Implications
National attention quickly followed Adams’ announcement. President Donald Trump previously suggested that candidates should consolidate to stop Mamdani, even hinting that Adams or Sliwa might find roles in his administration. Reports also surfaced that Adams had discussed a possible ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia with Trump’s envoy, though Adams denied that deal.
Business leaders and federal officials have expressed alarm over Mamdani’s proposals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that his economic policies could plunge New York City into financial crisis, stating Washington would not offer a bailout. Wall Street executives have voiced similar fears that his agenda could drive investment out of the city.
Despite these criticisms, Mamdani’s movement has grown steadily, winning endorsements from figures such as Governor Kathy Hochul and former Vice President Kamala Harris. His campaign insists it will stay focused on affordability and working-class struggles, arguing that opponents are more interested in backroom deals than the needs of everyday New Yorkers.
With Adams gone, the field is narrower but still volatile. Mamdani remains the frontrunner, Cuomo is angling for moderate support, and Sliwa is holding out as a Republican alternative. For now, Adams’ departure may have reshaped the narrative, but the numbers suggest the democratic socialist candidate still controls the race for City Hall.
NP Editor: As much as Adams was accused of wrong doing, we believe he was the most honest and well-meaning mayor in New York since Giuliani. He was a good mayor who did good work and would have been a good mayor moving forward. Cuomo is a self promoting asshole, and Sliwa hasn’t a chance in hell.
Mandami is the socialist anti-Christ, but perhaps the leader that the remaining woke New Yorkers deserve. New York has taken a great many blows recently, perhaps it needs to hit rock bottom. Mandami will certainly give them that.
