Why did Eric Adams drop out of the mayoral race? Here’s what to know

New York City’s political landscape took a dramatic turn on Sunday as Mayor Eric Adams confirmed he is bowing out of his re-election campaign. The embattled mayor, facing mounting scandals, financial setbacks, and a wave of opposition within his own party, made the announcement in a video posted on X.

“Despite everything we’ve achieved, I cannot continue this campaign,” Adams said, citing relentless media speculation and the Campaign Finance Board’s refusal to release millions in public matching funds as reasons that made it “impossible to raise the resources needed for a serious race.”

The decision effectively ends a turbulent bid that had already been marred by federal corruption probes and deep unpopularity in the polls. It also reshapes one of the most unpredictable mayoral races in decades.

Only in America. Only in New York.
Thank you for making my story a reality. pic.twitter.com/efHuyBnITJ

— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) September 28, 2025

Mamdani’s Rise and Cuomo’s Gamble

Adams’ withdrawal immediately boosts the already chaotic contest between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is staging an independent comeback attempt. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, shocked the political establishment in June by defeating Cuomo in the Democratic primary by double digits.

Cuomo, however, has refused to fade away, and his allies had quietly lobbied Adams to step aside, believing it could consolidate support against Mamdani in November. President Donald Trump, whose political shadow looms large even in deep-blue New York, has also weighed in—urging Adams’ exit and even holding discussions with him through top aide Steve Witkoff about potential roles in a second Trump administration.

The shifting alliances underline how national politics have seeped into New York’s local race. While Cuomo and Trump have denied coordinating, the former governor remains Trump’s fellow Queens native and one-time political sparring partner.

Corruption, Scandals, and Funding Roadblocks

For Adams, the collapse of his campaign was years in the making. Once hailed as a working-class mayor who could connect with ordinary New Yorkers, his tenure has instead been plagued by scandal. Federal prosecutors last year accused him of accepting donations from Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors—allegations Adams denied but which cast a long shadow.

The city’s Campaign Finance Board further crippled his re-election hopes by withholding matching funds, citing failures in donor disclosures. Adams responded with fury, blaming the press for amplifying his troubles and claiming negative coverage had made fundraising nearly impossible.

Even with those hurdles, Adams had hoped to continue as an independent candidate after opting out of the Democratic primary. But dwindling support in the polls—where he consistently trailed Mamdani, Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa—made survival unlikely.

New York’s Jewish community is a cornerstone of our city – from culture and tradition to resilience and leadership. Today and every day, we celebrate your contributions that make our city stronger. pic.twitter.com/y8GPMzxtUB

— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) September 27, 2025

The Fallout and What Comes Next

Cuomo praised Adams for stepping aside, calling it an act of putting “the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.” He argued that the city faces “extremist forces” and needs steady leadership to prevent further decline.

Mamdani, however, cast Adams’ decision as proof of establishment panic. “Donald Trump and his billionaire donors may influence Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo,” Mamdani said, “but they will not dictate the outcome of this election.”

With Adams gone, much depends on whether his exit sways key voting blocs, particularly Black voters, who helped secure his victory in 2021. Cuomo’s camp is banking on even a small shift in those numbers to close Mamdani’s advantage.

A Tumultuous End to Adams’ Mayoral Run

Adams’ departure comes less than four years after he made history as New York City’s second Black mayor. A retired NYPD captain and former Brooklyn borough president, he had campaigned on public safety and economic recovery after COVID-19, presenting himself as a no-nonsense leader with blue-collar roots.

Instead, his administration became defined by federal investigations, allegations of corruption among close aides, and his own indictment—later dropped by Trump’s Justice Department as part of a cooperation deal on immigration enforcement.

By the time of his announcement, Adams was a weakened figure, abandoned by allies and unable to regain the coalition that once swept him into office. His retreat leaves New Yorkers staring at an extraordinary showdown between a resurgent Andrew Cuomo, an insurgent Zohran Mamdani, and a defiant Curtis Sliwa—while Donald Trump, never far from the city’s politics, continues to insert himself into the race.

The mayor who once called himself the “future of the Democratic Party” exits not with a victory lap, but with a concession—closing a chapter of New York politics that began with promise and ended in scandal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why did Eric Adams drop out of the New York mayoral race?
Eric Adams cited relentless media scrutiny, corruption allegations, and the Campaign Finance Board’s refusal to release public matching funds as reasons for ending his re-election bid.

Q2: Who benefits most from Adams’ withdrawal?
Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani are the biggest beneficiaries. Cuomo hopes Adams’ exit will consolidate voters against Mamdani, while Mamdani believes it proves establishment panic.

Q3: Did Donald Trump play a role in Adams’ decision?
Adams has been in contact with Trump’s team, particularly real estate ally Steve Witkoff. While Trump publicly urged Adams to quit, both sides deny any formal arrangement.

Q4: What scandals hurt Adams’ campaign?
Adams was accused of accepting donations from foreign nationals, faced multiple federal probes, and lost key fundraising eligibility due to donor disclosure issues.

Q5: Who are the main candidates left in the NYC mayoral race?
The key contenders are Zohran Mamdani (Democrat), Andrew Cuomo (Independent), and Curtis Sliwa (Republican). Adams’ departure leaves the field wide open.