New York City Mayor Eric Adams has decided to step back from participating in the Democratic primary and will instead run for reelection as an independent. This strategy is aimed at rejuvenating his campaign, which has faced significant setbacks due to a bribery scandal and backlash from liberals unhappy with his rapport with former President Donald Trump.
In a video statement, Adams revealed his decision not to compete in the June Democratic primary, citing the prolonged nature of his recently resolved criminal case. He argued the lingering accusations prevented effective campaigning. This development follows intense scrutiny regarding Adams’ position in the Democratic contest, where he would face formidable rivals, including ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Practically speaking, this switch allows Adams to bypass the primary and focus directly on the November general election, affording him more time to campaign without the immediate pressure of legal issues. Nonetheless, this move might alienate him from New York City’s predominantly Democratic voters and party structure, potentially threatening his reelection chances.
The mayor, who has yet to fully establish a reelection campaign structure, has faced fundraising challenges lately. His effort to secure millions in public matching funds was thwarted due to discrepancies in his campaign’s financial documentation.
Speaking at an event organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, Adams lamented that the criminal proceedings had cast a shadow over his accomplishments and hindered him politically. “I wanted to run in a Democratic primary but I have to be realistic,” he stated. “I have to let New Yorkers know what I have done.”
The dismissal of Adams’ corruption charges by a federal judge on Wednesday marked the end of an arduous legal chapter that had seriously impaired his reputation and raised doubts about his political autonomy. The charges alleged that he accepted unlawful campaign donations and perks to assist a Turkish representative, accusations Adams consistently denied. The case was eventually dropped by Trump’s Justice Department to gain Adams’ cooperation on immigration policy, though it left open the possibility of future charges, sparking widespread debate over Adams’ independence from the Trump administration.
Judge Dale E. Ho, however, rejected any chance for the charges to be reinstated, stating that doing so would suggest that Adams’ freedom relied on his compliance with federal immigration enforcement goals. In his announcement, Adams reiterated his innocence but admitted that the case had unsettled voters and acknowledged his misplaced trust.
While trying to forge a centrist path as a mayor, Adams has clashed frequently with progressive elements within the city. Although a Democrat for much of his career, he was a registered Republican during the 1990s. His political trajectory includes roles as a state senator and Brooklyn borough president.
Adams’ rivals quickly challenged his independent candidacy. Democratic state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani criticized him, claiming that New Yorkers deserve better than a “disgraced” leader who prioritizes personal gain over public service. Elsewhere, Democratic state senator Zellnor Myrie decried the situation as “a circus.”
Meanwhile, Jim Walden, an independent contender and ex-prosecutor, demanded Adams join him in a debate, describing the mayor’s decision as one borne from desperation rather than conviction.