Overview

• Adams’ exit leaves Democrat Zohran Mamdani and independent Andrew M. Cuomo as the leading contenders ahead of the November 4 election.
• Adams said constant media speculation and the Campaign Finance Board’s withholding of millions in public funds crippled his ability to raise money.
• A federal corruption case against Adams saw five charges dropped earlier this year at the Justice Department’s direction, but the episode damaged his reputation.
• Reporting indicates his team explored a possible ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia with allies of Donald Trump, a bid that did not move forward.
• Adams declined to endorse a successor and warned voters about what he called radical and divisive agendas.