By Rounak Bagchi

Copyright timesnownews

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ended his bid for re-election, bowing to mounting political pressure to clear the way for a candidate capable of stopping socialist frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s path to City Hall. The decision, confirmed in a pre-recorded video message obtained by The New York Post, comes after weeks of speculation over whether the mayor would abandon his campaign. Adams had been trailing in fourth place in recent polls, behind Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. “It’s been an honor to be your mayor,” Adams said, highlighting his first-term accomplishments before acknowledging the end of his campaign. “Although our successes… I know I cannot continue my campaign,” he said. “I strongly encourage whoever takes over City Hall to continue what we’ve done.” Adams did not endorse any other candidate but issued veiled criticisms of Mamdani and Cuomo, warning against “local government being used to launder radical ideals” and cautioning voters not to support “a mayor who’s flip-flopped on the issues.” “This is the end of my campaign, but not the end of my public service,” he added. “I will keep fighting for our city no matter what because I am a New Yorker.” Adams’s decision follows growing calls from political allies and donors to exit the race. The move comes as Democrats and Republicans alike expressed fears that a crowded field would divide votes and all but ensure Mamdani’s victory in November’s election. Behind the scenes, the Trump administration reportedly engaged in discussions aimed at persuading Adams or Sliwa to drop out, with officials even considering offering Adams a diplomatic post. Those talks ultimately fell apart, insiders told The Post, as Trump appeared unwilling to move forward unless Sliwa also agreed to step aside. Adams’s exit is expected to boost Cuomo’s chances, with polls suggesting that the former governor is the only candidate capable of defeating Mamdani in a one-on-one matchup. Despite suspending his campaign, Adams will remain on the November 4 ballot, along with independent candidate Jim Walden, who has also withdrawn. The mayor’s tumultuous tenure ends after years of controversy and federal scrutiny. Adams had been indicted last September on five counts, including bribery and fraud, over allegations he accepted more than $100,000 in illegal campaign donations and travel perks. He pleaded not guilty and dismissed the charges as politically motivated “lawfare.” Adams’ administration has also been marred by scandals involving senior aides. His longtime confidante Ingrid Lewis-Martin was charged last month with conspiracy and bribery in multiple indictments, accused of exchanging political favors for $75,000 in bribes — including luxury seafood and an acting role alongside Forest Whitaker. Another aide, Winnie Greco, was suspended after reportedly handing a reporter a potato bag filled with cash. Her home was later raided amid a city probe into alleged misuse of her position. The mayor, who had earlier vowed to stay in the race, acknowledged the toll speculation had taken on his campaign. “When you’re hearing every day that tomorrow Eric is leaving… it impacts your fundraising ability,” he said recently on WABC Radio. “I’m not saying woe is me, I’m saying, ‘Why not me?’ because I’ve done a great job for the city.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.