Eric Adams pulled out of the New York City mayoral race Sunday with a pointed farewell video that slammed political extremism and subtly took goal at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist front-runner poised to reshape town’s political future.

Speaking from Gracie Mansion, Adams introduced he wouldn’t pursue a second time period, citing a rising tide of radical politics he believes threatens town’s stability.

“Extremism is growing in our politics,” Adams mentioned. “Our children are being radicalized to hate our city and our country. Political anger is turning into political violence.”

Without naming Mamdani straight, Adams made clear who he was speaking about.

“Too often, these forces use local government to advance divisive agendas with little regard for how it hurts everyday New Yorkers,” he mentioned.

Adams, who has led town by way of a turbulent first time period, additionally warned, “Major change is welcome and necessary, but beware of those who claim the answer to destroy the very system we built together over generations. That is not change. That is chaos.”

Only in America. Only in New York.
Thank you for making my story a actuality. pic.twitter.com/efHuyBnITJ

— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) September 28, 2025

Mamdani, 33, a three-term state assemblyman from Queens and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has proposed over $9 billion in new spending.

His platform consists of free childcare, fare-free buses, and city-operated grocery shops—funded by elevating taxes on firms and the rich.

Adams, who has usually clashed with progressive factions, urged voters to prioritize observe data over guarantees.

“I urge New Yorkers to choose leaders not by what they promised, but by what they have delivered,” he mentioned. “Although this is the end of my reelection campaign, it is not the end of my public service.”

Eric Adams Indicted On Federal Charges

His exit comes after a stormy chapter in his political profession. In September 2024, Adams was indicted on federal prices, together with bribery and marketing campaign finance violations. Prosecutors alleged he accepted unlawful items and donations from Turkish nationals over practically a decade.

The Trump administration’s Justice Department intervened, ordering the case dropped as a result of its proximity to the June main. A federal choose dismissed the case completely in April 2025.

Since profitable the Democratic main, Mamdani has tried to melt a few of his earlier positions. While he as soon as supported the “defund the police” motion, he has since backed away from that rhetoric.

He has additionally prevented taking a transparent stance on abolishing money bail and shutting down all metropolis jails, together with Rikers Island.

With Adams out, the November poll will probably characteristic Mamdani towards different contenders, together with Andrew Cuomo, the previous New York governor who’s staging a political comeback.

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