What's happened
On September 28, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced his withdrawal from the November mayoral election, citing lack of campaign funding and media speculation. His exit narrows the race to three candidates: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. Despite Adams dropping out, his name remains on the ballot. Mamdani leads polls and is favored to win.
What's behind the headline?
Race Dynamics Shift After Adams' Exit
Eric Adams' withdrawal reshapes the November mayoral contest into a three-way race, but his lingering presence on the ballot complicates voter clarity. Adams' departure primarily benefits Andrew Cuomo, who shares a moderate voter base with Adams, yet Cuomo remains significantly behind frontrunner Zohran Mamdani in polls.
Mamdani's Ascendancy and Challenges
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, commands a strong lead, campaigning on affordability and progressive reforms. His youth and ideology mark a generational and ideological shift in NYC politics, but his policies have sparked concern among moderates and conservatives alike.
The Spoiler Effect and Vote Splitting
Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, refuses to withdraw, ensuring the anti-Mamdani vote remains divided. This fragmentation diminishes Cuomo's chances despite Adams' exit, as Sliwa's base, though smaller, remains loyal.
Political Maneuvering and Endorsements
Adams has signaled tacit support for Cuomo, with close allies encouraged to back the former governor to prevent a Mamdani victory. However, Adams stopped short of an official endorsement, reflecting lingering tensions and strategic calculations.
Media and Funding Impact
Adams cited media speculation and denial of campaign matching funds as critical factors undermining his campaign viability. This highlights the significant role of campaign finance and media narratives in shaping electoral viability.
Forecast and Implications
Mamdani is poised to win, but the race's final weeks will test whether Cuomo can consolidate moderate and centrist voters. The divided opposition and Mamdani's energized base suggest a likely progressive shift in NYC leadership, with potential national political reverberations given the city's prominence.
Voters should prepare for a complex election where ballot confusion may arise due to Adams' name remaining despite his withdrawal, and where ideological divides will shape the city's future direction.
What the papers say
The New York Post's Craig McCarthy reports that Adams' exit followed weeks of speculation and fundraising struggles, with Adams blaming media speculation and campaign finance board decisions for undermining his campaign. McCarthy highlights Adams' warning against "insidious forces" and his refusal to endorse any candidate outright, while noting Cuomo's fundraising boost post-Adams withdrawal. AP News provides a detailed account of Adams' announcement video, emphasizing his pride in achievements and his critique of Mamdani's far-left policies. They note Adams' federal indictment, later dropped, and the political pressure to consolidate the moderate vote behind Cuomo. The South China Morning Post underscores the limited impact of Adams' exit on the race outcome, citing polls showing Mamdani's strong lead and the challenges for Cuomo to close the gap. The Guardian offers a unique perspective on Mamdani's campaign style, highlighting his progressive platform and savvy use of social issues like FIFA ticket pricing to connect with voters. Business Insider UK and The Independent focus on Adams' campaign struggles, including funding issues and the fallout from his indictment, while also noting the strategic calculations behind his withdrawal. These sources collectively illustrate a race marked by ideological polarization, strategic withdrawals, and the critical role of campaign finance and media narratives. They reveal a contest where Mamdani's progressive momentum contrasts with the fragmented moderate opposition, setting the stage for a potentially transformative mayoral election in New York City.
How we got here
Eric Adams, New York City's second Black mayor, faced low poll numbers and funding challenges amid controversies including a dismissed federal indictment. His independent re-election bid was hindered by media speculation and denial of public matching funds. The crowded race includes Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo running independently, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Go deeper
- How will Adams' exit affect Cuomo's chances?
- What are Zohran Mamdani's key campaign promises?
- Why is Curtis Sliwa staying in the race despite low polls?
Common question
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NYC Mayoral Race 2025: Who's Leading and What's at Stake?
The NYC mayoral race is heating up as the election approaches, with surprising shifts in support and key issues shaping voter choices. Incumbent Eric Adams is facing low poll numbers and questions about his campaign efforts, while progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani gains momentum. Curious about who’s leading, what issues matter most, and what this race means for NYC’s future? Read on for answers to the most common questions about the 2025 NYC mayoral race.
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Why Did Eric Adams Withdraw from the NYC Mayoral Race?
In late September 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams unexpectedly withdrew from the upcoming mayoral election. This surprising move has left many wondering about the reasons behind his decision and how it impacts the race. With Adams's exit, questions arise about who is now leading the race, what the future holds for NYC politics, and how voters are reacting. Below, we explore the key details and answer the most common questions about this significant political shift.
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Why Did Eric Adams Drop Out of the NYC Mayoral Race?
In September 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams unexpectedly withdrew from the upcoming mayoral election. His decision has sparked numerous questions about the reasons behind his exit, the current state of the race, and what it means for NYC politics. Below, we explore the key details and answer the most common questions about this surprising development.
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