New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday that he will not seek reelection through the Democratic primary, instead launching a longshot bid as an independent candidate in the November general election. The decision, unveiled in a six-minute campaign video, comes just one day after a federal judge dismissed the corruption charges against him with prejudice, effectively ending his legal troubles.
“More than 25,000 New Yorkers signed my Democratic primary petition, but the dismissal of the bogus case against me dragged on too long, making it impossible to mount a primary campaign while these false accusations were held over me,” Adams said in his announcement. While maintaining his status as a Democrat, Adams emphasized his intention to appeal directly to all voters as an independent. “I firmly believe that this city is better served by truly independent leadership,” he declared.
A Steep Road Ahead
Adams’s decision to bypass the Democratic primary marks a risky gamble in a city where Democrats dominate the electorate by a six-to-one margin over Republicans. The move also reflects his growing estrangement from the Democratic Party, fueled by policy disagreements and his controversial handling of issues like immigration and public safety. His approval ratings have plummeted to 20%, and his campaign faces significant financial hurdles, with only $3 million on hand after raising just $36,000 in the last filing period.
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The mayor’s announcement underscores the challenges he faces in redefining his political identity. “I’m in this race to the end,” Adams stated. “I’m not running on the Democratic line. It’s just not realistic to turn around my numbers and run a good campaign [from] where we are right now.”
Adams plans to submit 3,750 signatures by May 27 to secure his place on the general election ballot. His campaign will focus on appealing to working-class voters and ethnic minorities who propelled him to victory four years ago.
Fallout with Democrats Over Immigration
Adams’s relationship with the Democratic Party has been fraught with tension, particularly over immigration policy. As New York City grappled with an influx of over 210,000 migrants between 2022 and 2024, Adams repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for failing to provide adequate federal support. He declared a state of emergency in 2022 and warned that the crisis could cost the city $12 billion over three years.
In public statements, Adams accused federal officials of abandoning New York City. “Despite our pleas, the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system,” he said last year. His rhetoric often aligned more closely with conservative views, including calls for stricter measures against migrants accused of crimes.
This stance alienated many Democrats, who accused Adams of undermining progressive values and providing ammunition for Republican attacks. A December poll found that 85% of New York City voters were concerned about the migrant crisis—a sentiment Republicans have leveraged in competitive congressional races.
Adams’s willingness to work with Trump administration officials on immigration further strained his ties with Democrats. In December 2024, he met with Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, to discuss deporting criminal migrants—a move that drew sharp criticism from progressive leaders.
Legal Troubles and Their Aftermath
Adams’s decision to run as an independent also follows months of legal battles stemming from a federal corruption indictment. The charges alleged that he accepted bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. Although Adams maintained his innocence, the case cast a long shadow over his administration and campaign.
On Wednesday, Manhattan federal Judge Dale Ho dismissed the charges with prejudice, citing concerns about prosecutorial motives under former President Donald Trump’s Justice Department. Ho criticized what he described as an implicit bargain between federal prosecutors and Adams involving immigration policy concessions.
While the dismissal spares Adams from further legal jeopardy, it has not erased doubts about his leadership. In his campaign video, Adams acknowledged that the allegations may have shaken public confidence in him but insisted they were politically motivated. “Although the charges against me were false,” he said, “I trusted people I should not have and I regret that.”
A Shift Toward Independence
Adams framed his independent bid as an opportunity to rise above partisan divisions and focus on issues affecting everyday New Yorkers. “This city needs leadership rooted in the common middle,” he said. By running outside traditional party lines, Adams hopes to attract unaffiliated voters and those disillusioned with both major parties.
However, political analysts are skeptical about his chances. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo leads a crowded Democratic field vying for Adams’s seat, while Republicans are expected to field their own candidate. With limited funds and diminished support from party allies, Adams faces an uphill battle to rebuild his reputation before November.
Critics argue that Adams’s decision reflects desperation rather than strategy. His first term has been marred by scandals, budget shortfalls, and contentious policy decisions that alienated key constituencies. Even some former supporters question whether he can regain voters’ trust.
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