New York City Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the city’s mayoral race on Sunday, ending his reelection bid.

In a nine-minute video posted on social media, Adams addressed how ‘the constant media speculation’ concerning his future and the ‘finance board withholding millions of dollars have compromised his ability’ to gather the necessary funds for a robust campaign.

Adams added no additional clues about his future plans after leaving office. He did add this is ‘not the end of his public service’.

The bombshell move comes after speculation on if he would dropout to pave the way for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Adams was polling fourth, behind Zohran Mamdani, Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

‘This campaign was for the underserved, the marginalized, the abandoned and betrayed by government,’ Adams said in the video. 

‘Since then, it has been my honor to serve as your mayor, and I am proud to say that we took that victory from four years ago and transformed it into action, improving this city for those who have been let down by the government,’ Adams continued.

He highlighted achievements from his first term, such as reducing crime, boosting employment, and increasing funding for rental vouchers and child care. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the city’s race, ending his reelection bid

Mayor Eric Adams speaks at a news conference at police headquarters in Manhattan, New York City on Thursday, September 18

He stressed that New York must ‘continue the work we started’ including ‘lowering the cost of life and staying laser focused on reducing crime and disorder.’ 

Adams did not endorse any of the other candidates, and even took subtle swipes at his opponents.

‘Beware of those who claim the answer [is] to destroy the very system we built together over generations, that is not change, that is chaos.’

He urged New Yorkers ‘to choose leaders not by what they promise, but by what they deliver’.

A Cuomo campaign adviser told CNN they hope Adams’ decision will free up some of the Black vote, that even a small percentage could open up the race. 

Mamdani holds a 20 point lead in the current race despite President Donald Trump’s attempt to intervene.

The president’s advisors have reportedly considered offering administration roles to both Adams and Sliwa in an effort to bolster the conservative vote behind Cuomo. 

If elected, Mamdani, 33, would be the youngest and most liberal mayor. He beat Cuomo in the Democratic primary by lobbying a promise to lower living expenses in New York City. 

Adams shared a video to social media explaining his bombshell move

Republican Mayoral Candidate Curtis Sliwa is seen marching in the annual West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn earlier this month

The 33-year-old candidate lashed at Cuomo in a statement released after Adams’ announcement. 

‘New York deserves better than trading in one disgraced, corrupt politician for another. 

‘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,’ Mamdani said.

Republican Curtis Sliwa is still a mayoral contender, despite his own party undercutting him. Trump recently said he was ‘not exactly prime time.’ 

Adams will stay on the November 4 ballot, along with independent candidate Jim Walden, despite their election withdrawals.

Adams also admitted the dismissal of his federal case corruption case made it hard for New Yorkers to regain his trust.

‘I know some may seem unsure of me after the events surrounding my federal case, I was wrongfully charged because I fought for this city.

‘And if I had to do it again, I would fight for New York again.’

Andrew Cuomo attends Charity Day 2025 Hosted by the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund at Cantor on September 11, 2025 in New York City

New York Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference on September 26, 2025 in New York City

Adams was federally indicted by a grand jury following a wide-ranging corruption investigation.

He was the first New York City Mayor in history to face criminal charges as he was hit with a five-count indictment including bribery and fraud. 

Adams insisted the prosecution was politically motivated and his case was sensationally dismissed and ordered to be dropped with prejudice.