Eric Adams drops out of New York City mayoral race
NBC16 hrs
NYC Mayor Eric Adams Drops Reelection Bid
Above: NYC Mayor Eric Adams speaks at a news conference at police HQ in Manhattan on Sept. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Gardiner Anderson/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Adams is a corrupt politician with a blatant disregard for ethics, who shamelessly cut a deal with the Trump administration to avoid federal charges in exchange for silence regarding the immigration crackdown. It's no coincidence that Adams has now dropped his reelection bid to clear the lane for Cuomo — this is precisely what Trump and his donors need to advance their agenda in New York City.
Republican narrative
It's sad but not surprising that Mayor Adams will no longer run for reelection. Given the circumstances, he has done the right thing, as his decision increases longshot odds that New Yorkers will choose a mayor other than Mamdani. One may hope that either Cuomo or Sliwa will eventually drop their race too, but the only winning strategy against a far-left mayor is for the silent majority to get out and vote.