New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced he will withdraw from the re-election race, just five weeks before the election. His decision stems from what he described as “constant media speculation” regarding his future and the campaign finance board’s denial of public matching funds, which he claims hindered his ability to effectively fundraise.
With Adams’s exit, the race now involves Democrat Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Adams, who was elected as a Democrat in 2022, had announced plans to run as an independent following an indictment related to alleged bribery and fraud. This indictment was later dismissed by the Department of Justice at the direction of the Trump administration.
In a video posted on social media, Adams stated, “I cannot continue my re-election campaign,” citing challenges related to media scrutiny and financial support. Although he did not endorse any of his opponents, his remarks hinted at concerns regarding Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner. He suggested that while change is essential, it should not come at the cost of destabilizing the existing political structure.
Mamdani responded by indicating that many New Yorkers were dissatisfied with Adams’s approach to governance and reiterated his vision for a more affordable city. Adams’s popularity has declined amid corruption allegations, internal party conflicts, and growing public frustration with the escalating cost of living in New York.
In September, charges against Adams accused him of accepting gifts valued at over $100,000 in exchange for favors, a claim he has denied. Although the Justice Department instructed federal prosecutors to dismiss the charges, the associated controversy has continued to impact his campaign efforts. As his relationship with Democrats has soured, especially concerning immigration policies, Adams previously opted to run as an independent to avoid facing a competitive primary.
Adams will complete his term, which concludes on January 1, and will remain on the ballot despite his withdrawal, as the deadline for changes has already passed.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn761nkz6l5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss