New York City Mayor Adams announced on Sunday (September 28) that he is withdrawing from the re-election campaign, leaving three candidates in the race for mayor of New York City. They are: socialist and leading Democratic candidate in the polls Mamdani, former governor Cuomo, and Republican candidate Sliwa.
Adams made the announcement on the staircase of the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion, next to a portrait of his mother. “About four years ago, Gracie Mansion became my home. Who would have thought that a child with learning disabilities from South Jamaica, Queens, would one day become mayor of the greatest city in the world?” he said. “Only in America, in New York, could a story like mine happen.”
Adams listed his accomplishments as mayor, such as building the most affordable housing and reducing crime during his tenure. “Despite our many achievements, I am unable to continue my re-election campaign,” Adams said. “Speculation about my future by the media and the decision of the Campaign Finance Board to withhold millions of dollars (in public matching funds) have weakened my ability to raise the serious campaign funding needed.”
Adams became the first mayor in New York City history to be criminally charged while in office and now he has become the first incumbent mayor in a hundred years to not seek re-election.
He did not disclose his plans after leaving office and did not immediately endorse any candidate. Adams warned, “Extremism is breeding in our politics.” He emphasized that political extremism makes children “hate our city and our country” and that “sinister forces are using local government to advance divisive agendas, with little consideration for the harm it will bring to the ordinary people of New York.”
Yue Jinshan, the leader of the 65th District in New York’s Chinatown, who has been a longtime supporter of Adams’ campaign, expressed regret. “As a supporter of Adams, I am indeed disappointed. However, the political environment is as such, and Adams does not have many choices,” Jinshan told the newspaper. “Adams had the intention to promote many of his policies, but the team was not united, the bureaucratic system did not cooperate, making Adams powerless and unable to implement, even leading to resident backlash.”
Jinshan urged Adams’ supporters to choose a mayor among the existing candidates. “Adams’ supporters should by no means be absent in the mayoral election and should consider the next mayor to replace Adams.”
Polls show that Adams’ approval rating has consistently lagged behind Mamdani and Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate. In the latest poll, Mamdani leads with 43% to 47% support, Cuomo follows with 23% to 29%, Republican candidate Sliwa trails with 9% to 17%, while Adams’ support has remained below 10% in most polls.