NYC Mayor Eric Adams Ends Re-Election Bid, Citing Rising “Extremism”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ended his bid for a second term, releasing a farewell message from Gracie Mansion on Sunday, Sept. 28, in which he warned of rising “extremism” in city politics and urged voters to judge candidates by results, not rhetoric.

Adams’ withdrawal follows a tumultuous year marked by a 2024 federal indictment on bribery and campaign-finance charges. A federal judge dismissed the case in April 2025, clearing the way for Adams to continue governing but not arresting his political slide.

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.

With Adams out, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, heads into November as the frontrunner against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent. A fresh snapshot of the race shows Mamdani leading, buoyed by small-donor fundraising and progressive endorsements, while Cuomo seeks to consolidate moderate and business-aligned voters.

Mamdani’s platform centers on affordability measures including fare-free buses, city-run grocery stores, and a rent freeze—positions that have energized his base and alarmed critics. His campaign has also highlighted clashes with Cuomo over past budget cuts.