In a stunning turn of events, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has withdrawn from his reelection campaign, shaking up the race just weeks before the November 4 election, the Daily Caller reported.
Adams announced the suspension of his campaign on Saturday, citing poor polling numbers and intense pressure from within his own party, despite recently being cleared of federal corruption charges.
Adams, who has served as mayor since 2022, made the announcement via a video statement released on Saturday.
The decision comes after weeks of mounting concerns from party insiders who feared a fragmented field could lead to a victory for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Polls showed Adams lagging in fourth place, trailing behind Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
“It’s been an honor to be your mayor,” Adams said in the announcement, reflecting on his tenure. “Although our successes… I know I cannot continue my campaign.”
The backdrop to Adams’ campaign struggles includes a federal investigation that had cast a shadow over his leadership.
Last September, he faced a five-count indictment on charges of bribery and fraud, with prosecutors alleging he received over $100,000 in illegal contributions and travel benefits from foreign nationals, including Turkish officials.
Although the Department of Justice under President Trump dismissed these charges earlier this year, public trust appeared to wane.
“Many are skeptical of me after my historical indictment,” Adams admitted in his video message, acknowledging the lingering doubts among voters.
This skepticism, combined with his slipping poll numbers, likely contributed to the internal party pressure that ultimately led to his withdrawal.
Despite stepping back from the race, Adams, along with fellow dropout Jim Walden, will still appear on the November 4 ballot, as neither can legally remove their names.
In his statement, Adams notably refused to throw his support behind any of the remaining candidates in the crowded field.
He also took the opportunity to caution voters about what he described as “radical ideologies” in local politics and candidates who frequently shift their stances on key issues.
“I want to be clear, although this is the end of my campaign, this will not be the end of my public service,” Adams said. “I will keep fighting for our city no matter what because I am a New Yorker.”
