Adams ends bid for NYC mayor, won't seek second term

New York Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday that he will not seek a second term, ending a reelection campaign that faltered amid weak polling, campaign finance setbacks and sustained negative attention. Adams made the announcement in a roughly nine minute video posted to social media, with the general election now five weeks away on Nov. 4.

Adams said in the video that his campaign could not continue after the Campaign Finance Board declined to release matching funds and ongoing media speculation had undermined his ability to raise the money needed for a viable campaign. He framed his decision in personal terms, recalling growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, and urging parents to use his life as an example for children facing challenges. He did not endorse any candidate and urged voters to be wary of political movements that promise radical, untested change and of politicians who do not respect constituents' interests. Adams said, "This campaign was never about me. It was about the people of this city."

The mayor’s announcement follows weeks of polling that placed him behind progressive front runner Zohran Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as behind Republican...