Independent Candidate Eric Adams Drops Reelection Bid for New York City Mayor

Written by: Sophia Rodriguez

In an unexpected development for New York City's 2025 mayoral race, Eric Adams announced on September 28 that he is ending his re-election campaign. 

Adams was trailing significantly in polls, stuck at single digit support while Zohran Mamdani surged and Andrew Cuomo re-entered the contest. His exit leaves the contest between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Eric Adams took office in January 2022 as New York City’s 110th mayor. He initially ran as a

Adams during his inauguration in 2022.

Democrat but shifted course and declared his intention to run for re-election as an Independent because of the sharp criticism he was facing from within his own party. 

In 2024 he was indicted on federal charges including wire fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. The charges were later dismissed in 2025 after intervention by the U.S Department of Justice. 

Adams cited multiple factors for his withdrawal. He commented on one such factor in his announcement: “The constant media speculation about my future and the campaign finance board’s decision to withhold millions of dollars have undermined my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign.”

There was also internal and external pressure for him to step aside so that the centrist votes would go to Cuomo, and weaken Mamdani's chances of being elected. 

With Adam’s withdrawal from the mayoral contest, there has been a significant shift and the race now appears to be a showdown between Mamdani and Cuomo, with Sliwa still in the mix. It's likely that, if anti-Mamdani centrists vote for Cuomo, his chances will be improved. 

Adams will remain in office until the end of his term, and his name will still appear on the ballot because the withdrawal came after the deadline to remove it. People are questioning whether he will pursue a role in national politics, remain focused on city issues, or step back from the spotlight. 

Adams' decision also raises broader questions: How often have mayors succeeded as independents? How do public scandals affect trust in leaders? Some say these moments reveal tension between loyalty to a political party and the need for personal political survival.