On Sunday, Sept. 28, embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced he was ending his mayoral campaign, following weeks of speculation about whether he would remain in a race where he was polling fourth behind front-runner Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
In a video address, filmed from Gracie Mansion, Adams said that he was honored to serve as the City’s mayor and that he was “proud to say that we took that victory four years ago and turned it into action — making this city better for those who had been failed by government.”
The nearly nine-minute video was posted to X (formerly Twitter) captioned with, “Only in America. Only in New York. Thank you for making my story a reality.”
In his address, Adams did not endorse any candidate but took a swipe at front-runner Mamdani, cautioning voters against local government being used to push radical ideas. He also criticized Cuomo for frequently shifting positions on issues, saying he “cannot be trusted.”
However, the New York Post reports that Adams is weighing an endorsement of either Cuomo or Sliwa in an attempt to block Mamdani’s path to victory, though many argue that his late exit from the race may ultimately benefit Mamdani more than anyone else.
RELATED:
- Party Leaders Split on Support for NYC Progressive Nominee Zohran Mamdani
- Mayoral Hopeful Curtis Sliwa Slams Communism, Vows to Cut NYC’s Living Costs and Improve Safety
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
Who benefits the most?
Some observers speculate that with Adams’ departure Mamdani may stand to benefit the most as progressives, previously in the Adams camp, consider their choices.
So, with the consolidation of progressive support, a diminished field of competition and a strategic positioning against Cuomo, Mamdani, who is by far the front runner in the race, stands to benefit considerably from Adams’ exit.
However, some argue that former governor Andrew Cuomo may see a bump in the polls following Adams’ announcement.
Political scientist Jake Neiheisel of the University at Buffalo told KOMO News that Cuomo, as a centrist Democrat aligned ideologically with Adams, is well-positioned to consolidate a significant portion of Adams’ supporters. Neiheisel, however, noted that even with potential gains from Adams’ voters, Mamdani remains poised for victory in November.
Following Adams’ announcement on Sunday Cuomo said, “I believe Mayor Adams is 100 percent sincere. I applaud his selflessness. You know, we often wonder, is it about us, or is it about a greater calling? And I think what Mayor Adams said today speaks volumes,” adding that, “He said, ‘I’m going to put my personal ambition aside for the good of the city,’ because he’s afraid of the result if Mr. Mamdani would have win the election, and we should all be afraid of the result.”
For Sliwa, while he will benefit from a now less crowded field, his chances hinge on subsequent campaign efforts, as his campaign continues to position him as a viable alternative to Cuomo and Mamdani.
According to ABC 7, a spokesperson for the Sliwa campaign said, “Curtis Sliwa is the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani. Our team, our resources, and our funding are unmatched. Most importantly, we have the best solutions to help working people afford to stay in New York City and feel safe.”
Aside from political rivals, Adams’ departure may also favor a number of political donors and business leaders who, in the past, have voiced concerns over his administration’s policies. Their support could shift towards candidates who align more closely with their interests, particularly Cuomo, who has a history of fostering relationships with New York’s business community.
