Title: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Ends Reelection Campaign

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday that he is ending his reelection campaign. In a video shared on social media, Adams expressed pride in his accomplishments, including a reduction in violent crime. However, he cited “constant media speculation” about his future and the city’s campaign finance board withholding public funding as reasons for his decision. “Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams said.

The one-term Democrat's withdrawal comes just days after he insisted he would remain in the race, stating that everyday New Yorkers do not “surrender.” Speculation about his viability as a candidate has persisted for over a year. Adams faced significant challenges, including a now-dismissed federal bribery case and criticism from progressives regarding his ties to former President Donald Trump. He opted to run as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary.

In his announcement, Adams did not endorse any remaining candidates but warned of “insidious forces” that aim to disrupt local governance. He cautioned against those who seek to dismantle established systems, stating, “That is not change, that is chaos.” His exit could potentially benefit former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is also running as an independent and has positioned himself as a centrist alternative to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, is favored to win the upcoming election. He has campaigned on promises to freeze rents and increase taxes, which have raised concerns among business leaders. Polls from early September indicated that Mamdani leads Cuomo, with Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing behind. A recent Quinnipiac poll suggested that if Adams and Sliwa withdrew, Mamdani's lead over Cuomo could narrow.

Adams’ decision to step back from the race follows reports of potential job offers from the Trump administration and the private sector, which were seen as attempts to clear the path for Cuomo. Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman praised Adams for his decision, stating he stepped aside at the right time. Adams had previously criticized Cuomo, calling him “a snake and a liar,” and suggested that Cuomo was behind rumors regarding his job discussions.

Cuomo responded by commending Adams for prioritizing the city’s welfare over his political ambitions. He stated, “We face destructive extremist forces that would devastate our city through incompetence or ignorance.” Mamdani, however, criticized the idea of trading one controversial politician for another, referring to Cuomo’s resignation amid sexual harassment allegations.

Adams’ reelection campaign has been marred by scandals, including his indictment on corruption charges earlier this year, which were later dropped. His approval ratings have plummeted, reaching a 30-year low in March. Despite a brief resurgence in fundraising after Cuomo’s primary loss, support for Adams dwindled. His campaign finance board was denied public matching funds, costing him millions.

As the election approaches, Adams remains on the ballot, but his decision to halt campaigning marks a significant shift in the race. The political landscape is now more favorable for Mamdani, who has gained momentum since his primary victory. Adams, who took office in January 2022, was once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party but has faced ongoing scrutiny over his administration's controversies and scandals. His tenure has been characterized by efforts to reduce crime and promote housing development, but these achievements have been overshadowed by the challenges he faced in office.