NYC Mayor Eric Adams Exits Re-Election Bid, Cites Rising “Extremism” In Politics

Eric Adams has officially bowed out of the 2025 New York City mayoral race, leaving the city’s political future wide open.

In a farewell video from Gracie Mansion on Sunday (Sept. 28), the mayor didn’t hold back, warning New Yorkers about a wave of “extreme” politics he says is threatening the stability of the city he’s spent a rocky first term leading.

“Extremism is growing in our politics,” Adams said. “Our children are being radicalized to hate our city and our country. Political anger is turning into political violence.” While he didn’t name names, his remarks were likely a jab at Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic front-runner from Queens, whose campaign includes a $9 billion plan focusing on free childcare, fare-free buses, and city-run grocery stores funded by taxing corporations and the wealthy.

“Too often, these forces use local government to advance divisive agendas with little regard for how it hurts everyday New Yorkers,” Adams continued. “Major change is welcome and necessary, but 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 voters to focus on proven track records instead of exciting promises. “I urge New Yorkers to choose leaders not by what they promised, but by what they have delivered,” he said. “Although this is the end of my reelection campaign, it is not the end of my public service.”

Adams’ exit comes after a turbulent chapter in his political career. In September 2024, he was indicted on federal charges, including bribery and campaign finance violations, as well as accused of accepting illegal gifts and donations from Turkish nationals. The Trump Justice Department intervened and a federal judge permanently dismissed the case in April 2025.

Since winning the Democratic primary, Mamdani has talked about moving away from the “defund the police” rhetoric and has maintained his stance on abolishing cash bail and shuttering city jails, including Rikers Island.

With Adams officially out, the November ballot now sees Mamdani most likely facing off against former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who’s looking to make a political comeback.

See Mayor Eric Adams announcement above.