Eric Adams Withdraws from Mayoral Race Amid Rising Pressure

28 September 2025

Eric Adams has officially dropped out of the 2025 NYC mayoral race. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on September 28 that he is dropping out of the 2025 mayoral race, saying that despite his efforts and achievements he no longer has the capacity to continue.

In a video message shared on social media, Adams reflected on his time in office, noting reductions in crime, recovery of thousands of illegal guns, and initiatives to preserve affordable housing. But he also admitted that media scrutiny, low polling numbers, and challenges with campaign funding made continuing untenable.

Adams, who ran as an independent after opting out of the Democratic primary earlier this year, has been trailing well behind front-runners Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in public opinion. He cited a campaign finance board decision to withhold matching funds, along with a decline in public trust following controversy and legal allegations, as major impediments.

Despite suspending his active campaign, Adams will remain on the ballot, as it is too late to remove his name. He did not officially endorse another candidate, though he warned against electing leaders whose agendas he sees as too radical.

His exit reshapes the mayoral contest, likely consolidating attention around Mamdani and Cuomo. With the field narrowed, his supporters may now become a deciding bloc.

This decision marks a dramatic turn for a first term that was already under strain. When Adams first took office, critics often questioned his leadership style and political resilience. His withdrawal may be seen as an acknowledgment of the fragility of a city administration facing polarized politics, mounting challenges at multiple fronts, and diminishing public confidence.