Eric Adams Ends NYC Mayoral Re-election Campaign, Shifts Political Landscape

New York City Mayor Eric Adams at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York on September 11, 2025. Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

On Sunday, Eric Adams officially announced the end of his bid for re-election as mayor of New York, descending the stairs of Gracie Mansion to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” and sitting beside an enlarged portrait of his mother to confirm his withdrawal from the race.

Only in America can such a story be told.

This move brings attention back to the start of his political career: Adams, who became the second African American mayor of New York, held a portrait of his mother in his hands during the inauguration ceremony and promised to support the interests of the middle class and the city’s workers.

After nearly four years in office, he explained his exit from the race as due to a lack of funding and a media campaign that, in his words, sought to undermine his chances.

I cannot continue the campaign for re-election. The ongoing media speculation about my future and the Finance Board’s decision regarding millions of dollars undermine my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign.

The political landscape following such a move could create a new, albeit temporary, space for former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s political activity. According to sources close to him, Adams’s exit could consolidate support from labor unions and African American supporters and attract significant contributions from major donors ahead of the final stage of the campaign in the city’s expansive media space.

In the coming weeks Mamdani plans to amplify his message and reach a broader audience, appealing not only to moderate Democrats but also to some Republicans, while Sliva, despite high popularity, faces tougher competition, and his path to victory becomes less predictable. No official statements of support from Adams have yet been announced.

How the changes are shaping New York City’s pre-election landscape

Shifts in the balance of power could rewrite the rules of the game for future candidates. Experts anticipate that Adams’s departure could lead to a more cohesive coalition among the city’s various factions and influence funding for the upcoming races. In the urban political environment, this could mean new opportunities for candidates who can combine union support, the middle class, and donors willing to make substantial contributions in the final stretch of the campaign.

It remains unclear how exactly resources and energy will be distributed in the city’s campaign landscape. At the same time, analysts emphasize that the current dynamics create unconventional opportunities for those who can offer convincing messages and mobilize a broad base of support before the vote.