Adams Stays in Mayoral Race Despite Challenges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, declared on Friday that he would persist in his reelection bid, despite facing unfavorable polls against socialist frontrunner Zoran Mamdani.

For weeks, Adams has maintained he won’t exit the race, pushing back against suggestions he might join the Trump administration. He pointed out that his motivation to continue stems partly from his disdain for fellow independent candidate and former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo. This decision seems aimed at undermining Mamdani’s potential socialist victory in the upcoming November election.

“Andrew Cuomo is a snake and a liar,” Adams asserted during a press conference. “I’m in this race. I’m the only one who can beat the mam tick.”

Adams is under significant pressure to withdraw from the race due to low polling numbers and ongoing corruption scandals. There’s growing concern among certain Republicans, centrist Democrats, and business leaders in New York about the socialist candidate’s chances.

Former President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of limiting the number of candidates, warning that too many would lead to a “Communist mayor of New York.” On Thursday, he labeled Mamdani a “communist” who must be stopped.

Reports indicated Trump has suggested Adams for a position as the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, which some believe could prompt the mayor to reconsider his reelection efforts. The administration has also offered Adams a role in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Despite the speculation, Adams stated he’s focused on the race until Election Day. “There are many reports about me being in Washington on Monday, but those are incorrect,” he said. “I’m engaging with the city—five wards that voted for me initially.”

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist who recently defeated 67-year-old Cuomo in a significant June contest, reacted to Adams’s announcement by tweeting a scene from a Leonardo DiCaprio film, playfully declaring, “I’m not leaving.”

Recent polling showed Adams trailing significantly, with 50% support for Mamdani, while Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa both received around 7% according to a survey commissioned by Mamdani’s campaign.

There is a growing belief among some Republicans that their candidate could be advantageous for the party during the midterms, even as national GOP groups have criticized Mamdani, suggesting his policies could lead to a dystopian future.

Top Democratic officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, have yet to endorse Mamdani. Meanwhile, billionaire Bill Ackman, who has backed Cuomo, urged Adams to exit the race, noting his dwindling support in recent polls.

“Rick’s polls have deteriorated significantly since the primary,” Ackman noted on social media, “and it’s becoming clear he has no chance to beat Mamdani.”