Overview

• Announcing his decision in a video posted Sunday, Adams said media speculation and the loss of public matching funds left him unable to mount a viable campaign; he will finish his term and remain on the Nov. 4 ballot.
• Adams declined to endorse a successor, leaving a contest led in polls by Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, with Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing, and his exit is widely viewed as improving Cuomo’s consolidation prospects.
• The Campaign Finance Board had repeatedly withheld millions in matching funds over donor‑documentation issues, which Adams argued crippled his ability to raise money.
• News reports detailed back‑channel discussions with the Trump administration, including a potential ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia if he left the race, though Adams said he received no formal offer.
• Adams’ standing had been damaged by a federal corruption case that the Justice Department dismissed earlier this year, a decision that prompted resignations and continued scrutiny of his administration.