New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday said he is dropping out of the mayoral race.
In a video announcement, the mayor said the New York City Campaign Finance Board's decision to withhold millions from his campaign as the main reason for suspending is reelection bid.
"Who would have thought that a kid from South Jamaica, Queens, growing up with learning disabilities could one day become the mayor of the greatest city in the world?" the mayor said with a photograph of his mother, Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter, at his side.
Adams, the second Black mayor of New York City after David Dinkins, cited his accomplishments in reducing crime, building housing and placing female and minorities in leadership roles. He noted that many New Yorkers have yet to feel the full impact of these achievements.
"It's not always easy to see the impact of good policy in just three years," he said.
He also said his federal corruption charges that were eventually dropped had made many residents unsure of him.
"I was wrongfully charged because I fought for this city," he said. "And if I had to do it again, I would fight for New York again."
Adams, who was Brooklyn Borough President between 2014–2021, urged New Yorkers to choose their leaders "not by what they promise, but by what they have delivered."
Adams, who had fared poorly in recent polls, also said he would keep fighting for the city, from City Hall and beyond.
"When Mayor Adams was elected, there was real promise and potential to make progress on issues where New Yorkers broadly agree — and where a previous version of this mayor claimed he did," said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams in a statement. "Sadly, his tenure has been marked by an inability to self-reflect or course-correct after sustained and continued bad decisions, squandering
There are three remaining candidates: Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and Independent Andrew Cuomo.
“The choice Mayor Adams made today was not an easy one, but I believe he is sincere in putting the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition," Cuomo said in a statement.
The former governor also praised Adams' working class upbringing.
"Whatever differences we may have, Eric Adams’ story is undeniably one of resilience, a testament to the spirit of this city," he said.
Mamdani said Donald Trump and billionaires "might be able to determine Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo’s actions but they will not dictate the results of this election."
"New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another," Mamdani said in a statement. "On November 4th, we are going to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas and deliver a government every New Yorker can be proud of.”
Daniel Kurzyna, spokesperson for Sliwa's mayoral campaign, said the Republican nominee is the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani, who is ahead in most polls.
"Our team, our resources, and our funding are unmatched," Kurzyna said in a statement. "Most importantly, we have the best solutions to help working people afford to stay in New York City and feel safe."
