Overview

• Eric Adams announced on September 28 in a video that fundraising shortfalls prevent him from continuing his reelection bid.
• He had been running as an independent after corruption allegations and an indictment last year depressed his support.
• Multiple reports say the Trump administration urged him to step aside and explored offering the Saudi ambassadorship; President Trump welcomed the decision and has repeatedly called Mamdani a “communist.”
• Polling has shown Mamdani leading, while his redistribution-focused agenda has drawn concern among some Democrats and wealthy New Yorkers.
• Adams did not endorse a successor, his name will remain on the ballot, and the rivals sharpened their messages as Cuomo cast himself against “destructive” extremes and Mamdani rejected billionaire influence.