New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced his withdrawal from the city’s Democratic primary, opting instead to run for reelection as an independent.
In a statement on Thursday, Adams cited the prolonged legal battle over his recently dismissed corruption case as a key factor in his decision, saying the “false accusations” had prevented him from properly campaigning.
“I firmly believe this city is better served by truly independent leadership, leaders not pulled by extremists on the far left or far right, but rooted in the common middle, where the vast majority of New Yorkers stand,” Adams said.
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His decision follows mounting speculation over whether he would stay in the Democratic primary, which has drawn strong challengers, including former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. By skipping the primary, Adams gains more time to campaign ahead of the general election in November, though the move could further alienate him from the city’s predominantly Democratic electorate.
READ ALSO: How NYC Mayor Eric Adams reacted after judge dismissed corruption case
Adams, who had struggled to raise campaign funds and was recently denied access to millions in public matching funds due to recordkeeping gaps, made the announcement just one day after a federal judge dismissed the corruption case against him.
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The charges, filed last year under President Joe Biden’s administration, accused Adams of accepting illegal campaign contributions and travel perks from a Turkish official in exchange for political favors, including helping Turkey open a diplomatic building without passing fire inspections. Adams pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.
However, the case took an unusual turn when President Donald Trump’s Justice Department moved to drop the charges, reportedly in exchange for Adams’ cooperation with the administration’s immigration policies, sparking backlash and resignations within the Justice Department.
In his dismissal ruling, Judge Dale E. Ho barred prosecutors from refiling the case, warning that doing so would create “the unavoidable perception that the mayor’s freedom depends on his ability to carry out the administration’s immigration enforcement priorities.”
In his video address, Adams admitted the case had shaken public confidence in him but insisted he had done nothing wrong.
“I know the accusations against me may have raised doubts, and you have every right to question my judgment,” he said. “Although the charges were false, I trusted people I shouldn’t have, and I regret that.”
Throughout his tenure, Adams has positioned himself as a centrist Democrat while frequently clashing with the city’s progressive wing. Though he was once a registered Republican in the 1990s, he has built his political career including stints as a state senator and Brooklyn borough president within the Democratic Party.
His decision to run as an independent has drawn swift criticism from opponents. Democratic state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani dismissed the move, stating, “Regardless of what party Adams flees to, New Yorkers deserve better than a self-interested, disgraced mayor who always puts his needs before theirs.”
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, another Democratic challenger, called the situation “a circus,” while independent candidate Jim Walden challenged Adams to a debate, claiming the mayor’s move was driven “by desperation, not principle.”
