Eric Adams Ends Mayoral Campaign Under Mounting Pressure To Block Mamdani

Mayor Eric Adams has announced he is ending his campaign for re-election, bowing to pressure aimed at consolidating the race and preventing conmunist, antisemitic candidate Zohran Mamdani from taking City Hall.

“It’s been an honor to be your mayor,” Adams said in a video message. “Although our successes… I know I cannot continue my campaign,” he continued. “I strongly encourage who ever takes over City Hall to continue what we’ve done.”

Adams did not throw his support behind any of his rivals. Instead, he issued warnings about both Mamdani and Cuomo, cautioning voters about “radical ideals” and criticizing politicians who shift positions for political gain.

“This is the end of my campaign, this will not be the end of my public service,” Adams pledged. “I will keep fighting for our city no matter what because I am a New Yorker.”

Pressure had been growing for Adams to drop his independent bid, particularly after the Department of Justice under President Trump dismissed his federal corruption case.

“Many are skeptical of me after my historical indictment,” he acknowledged in his announcement.

His shift comes just a day after he hinted at the possibility during an interview with the Rev. Al Sharpton — despite insisting weeks earlier that he would not back down.

Concerns that Mamdani could sail to victory in a crowded field had even led to behind-the-scenes negotiations involving Trump administration officials, aimed at persuading Adams or Sliwa to withdraw.

Trump allies dangled potential offers, including ambassadorships, but those talks ultimately collapsed, insiders said. Polling now suggests Cuomo has the strongest chance to defeat Mamdani if the contest narrows to two.

Sliwa, however, has vowed to remain the Republican candidate, while Cuomo is running as an independent after losing badly to Mamdani in the June Democratic primary.

Even though Adams suspended his campaign, his name will still appear on the November ballot alongside independent hopeful Jim Walden, who also dropped out of the race.

Adams’ withdrawal marks the end of his stormy first term. Once hailed as New York’s second black mayor and a leader who promised to restore “swagger” to City Hall, his tenure quickly became mired in scandal.

Despite months of insisting “Jobs are up, crime is down,” Adams was never able to recover from the cloud of corruption that surrounded his administration.

In recent weeks, as reports of failed negotiations with Trump’s team leaked, Adams admitted the rumors had damaged his campaign.

“When you’re hearing every day that tomorrow Eric is leaving… it impacts your fundraising ability,” he said in a recent radio interview. “I’m not saying woe is me, I’m saying, ‘Why not me?’ Why not me, because I’ve done a great job for the city and we’re going to continue to do that.”