Adams Ends Reelection Bid, Reframes NYC Mayoral Race

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that he has ended his bid for a second term, saying relentless speculation about his political future and the loss of public campaign matching funds left his campaign unable to continue. In a video posted to social media, Adams praised achievements from his tenure but said, "Despite all we've achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign." He offered no endorsement of another candidate and said he would remain active in public life.

Adams’ withdrawal comes five weeks before the November 4 general election and immediately reshapes a crowded race that had been split among several centrist and independent candidates. His exit clears space for Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, to vie for the mayoralty, though Republican Curtis Sliwa remains on the ballot and could continue to draw votes.

The mayor cited two practical impediments to continuing his campaign: pervasive rumors about his imminent departure that he said throttled fundraising, and a decision by the city Campaign Finance Board to withhold public matching funds. Adams also pointed to the lingering...