Eric Adams abandons campaign for NYC mayor
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall on June 26 in New York City. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday the end of his second-term campaign, which was plagued by a web of scandals and legal woes.
Why it matters: Adams' departure from the trail comes just weeks before election day, narrowing down the field to a group including two candidates whom he's described as "spoiled brats": Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
- Adams, who was running as an independent, will still be on the ballot as the deadline has passed to remove candidates, but he said in a vi deo posted Sunday that he could not continue his re-election bid, citing "the constant media speculation about my future and the campaign finance board's decision to withhold millions of dollars."
Driving the news: In a nearly nine-minute-long video, Adams did not endorse any of his rivals. He did, however, warn of growing "extremism" in politics.
- He cautioned, "major change is welcome and necessary, but beware of those who claim the answer [is] to destroy the very system we built together over generations. That is not change, that is chaos."
- He urged the city to choose leaders "not by what they promised, but by what they have delivered."
Catch up quick: Adams previously denied rumors that he was departing the race amid sagging poll numbers and reports that he was being considered for a job within the Trump administration, better positioning Cuomo to take on Mamdani.
- Adams previously faced federal corruption charges after being indicted last September, but those were dropped by Trump's Justice Department earlier this year, an order that prompted an exodus of prosecutors.
- But even with the embattled mayor sidestepping prosecution, those in his circle have faced an avalanche of controversy.
The latest: "Donald Trump and his billionaire donors might be able to determine Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo's actions but they will not dictate the results of this election," Mamdani said in a statement.
- "New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another," his statement added.
What they're saying: Cuomo said Adams' decision was "not an easy one" but said he believed "he is sincere in putting the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition."
- He continued, "We face destructive extremist forces that would devastate our city through incompetence or ignorance, but it is not too late to stop them."
What we're watching: Adams did not say what his next career step will be.
- He did, however, pledge that while this marks the end of his campaign, "it is not the end of my public service."
Go deeper: Mamdani win freaks out some Dems about their own primaries
Editor's note: This story has been updated with statements from Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo.
