Title: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Ends Reelection Campaign

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday that he is suspending his campaign for reelection. In a video shared on social media, Adams expressed pride in his accomplishments, including a reduction in violent crime. However, he cited "constant media speculation" about his future and a decision by the city’s campaign finance board to withhold public funding as reasons for his withdrawal. "Despite all we've achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign," Adams stated.

The one-term Democrat's decision comes just days after he insisted he would remain in the race, emphasizing that everyday New Yorkers do not "surrender." Speculation about his viability as a candidate has persisted for over a year. Adams faced significant challenges, including a now-dismissed federal bribery case and criticism from progressives regarding his ties to former President Donald Trump. He opted to run as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary.

In his video, Adams refrained from endorsing any remaining candidates but warned of "insidious forces" using local government to promote divisive agendas. He cautioned that while major change is necessary, it should not come at the expense of the systems built over generations. "That is not change, that is chaos. Instead, I urge leaders to choose leaders not by what they promise, but by what they have delivered," he said.

Adams' exit could potentially benefit former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has positioned himself as a centrist candidate capable of defeating the Democratic nominee, state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. However, it remains uncertain whether Adams' supporters will shift their allegiance to Cuomo. Mamdani, at 33, would be the youngest and most liberal mayor in generations if elected. He won the Democratic primary decisively by pledging to address the high cost of living in New York City.

Republican Curtis Sliwa is also still in the race, although his campaign has faced challenges, including criticism from within his party. Trump recently referred to Sliwa as "not exactly prime time."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has endorsed Mamdani, praised Adams in a statement following his announcement, saying she is proud to have worked with him and that he leaves the city "better than he inherited it."

Polls conducted in early September indicated Adams faced significant hurdles. Surveys from The New York Times and Siena University, as well as Quinnipiac University, showed likely voters favoring Mamdani over Cuomo, with Adams and Sliwa trailing. The Quinnipiac poll suggested that Mamdani's lead over Cuomo could narrow if Adams withdrew from the race. Sliwa has maintained that he will not exit the contest.

In recent weeks, intermediaries from the Trump administration approached Adams about potentially stepping aside to facilitate a one-on-one matchup between Cuomo and Mamdani. Despite these discussions, Adams had previously pledged to continue his campaign, criticizing both Cuomo and Mamdani.

Adams, 65, is the city’s second Black mayor. He took office in 2022, promising to tackle crime and revitalize the city post-pandemic. While crime rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, his administration has been marred by scandals and corruption investigations. His police commissioner, schools chancellor, and several deputy mayors resigned amid federal probes, although none have faced criminal charges.

In September, federal prosecutors charged Adams with fraud and bribery, alleging he accepted illegal campaign contributions and travel discounts in exchange for favors. Adams denied any wrongdoing and vowed to fight the charges while remaining in office.

As he campaigned this summer, Adams faced renewed scrutiny, including bribery charges against a former advisor and a scandal involving cash being handed to a reporter. Despite calls to withdraw from the race to help Cuomo, Adams remained steadfast, stating, "History is going to be kind to me when I'm out of the political spotlight 10, 15 years from now, and they look over and say: You know what? We got to give this guy his due. That's what I'm fighting for."