NYC Mayor Eric Adams Drops Out of 2025 Mayoral Race, Narrowing the Field as Mamdani Surges
Eric Adams stunned New Yorkers on September 28, 2025, when he announced that he is withdrawing from the mayoral re-election contest. In a video message to the city, Adams said he “cannot continue my campaign,” marking a dramatic reversal from months of assurances that he was running strong. The move reshapes the political landscape in New York, giving new life to rival campaigns against Zohran Mamdani, alongside former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
As the incumbent mayor, Adams had left the Democratic primary to run as an independent, citing his desire to govern beyond party lines. But his campaign had faced mounting challenges: weak poll numbers, fragmented donor support, and mounting legal and financial headwinds. In recent polls, Adams had trailed far behind Mamdani and Cuomo, placing fourth.
In his announcement, Adams framed his exit as a necessary sacrifice for the city. He acknowledged the weight of his own missteps and the pressure that comes with being mayor. He reaffirmed his commitment to public service even without a second term, leaving many to wonder whether he will continue efforts outside the electoral arena.
Adams’ departure hands momentum to Zohran Mamdani, who in recent weeks has held a commanding lead in polls—some showing him with over 40–45 percent of support. The narrowing of the field elevates Cuomo too, whose campaign was previously in jeopardy given the crowded primary. Yet even if Cuomo claims much of Adams’ former base, Mamdani’s lead appears wide enough to endure.
New Yorkers have been watching the race closely as issues like public safety, housing affordability, and immigration enforcement dominate debate. Adams had confronted these challenges from the mayor’s office, but his tenure was marred by scandal. He was indicted in September 2024 on charges including bribery and fraud. That case was later dismissed in April 2025 after the Department of Justice dropped the charges with prejudice. The dismissal itself stirred controversy, with some accusing the DOJ of favoritism.
By exiting, Adams removes a spoiler dynamic that many feared would split non-progressive votes and hand advantage to the Democratic nominee. His decision also shifts donor strategies, campaign alliances, and the narrative of who can beat the rising force of Mamdani. Several candidates now view this as their moment.
Adams’ own political legacy enters a new chapter. He leaves office after one term, becoming one of the few New York mayors to walk away from re-election under pressure. He will still finish his current term, but the campaign will no longer be his to fight. The 2025 mayoral race now hinges on opposing forces vying to define New York’s next direction.
