New York Mayor Eric Adams officially launched his reelection campaign Thursday afternoon from the steps of City Hall, seeking a second term as an independent candidate after federal corruption charges against him were dismissed earlier this year.
Adams, who was elected as a Democrat in 2021, dropped out of the Democratic primary in April to run as an independent, setting up a November showdown with Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist who stunned the political establishment by defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday's Democratic primary.
Surrounded by supporters and union leaders, Adams drew sharp contrasts with Mamdani, casting the Queens assemblyman as privileged and inexperienced12. "This election is a choice between a candidate with a blue collar and one with a silver spoon," Adams said, according to ABC News. "A choice between dirty fingernails and manicured nails"1.
Adams criticized Mamdani's progressive proposals, including free bus service and government-run grocery stores, calling him a "snake oil salesman" in a Wednesday Fox News appearance3. "There's no dignity in someone giving you everything for free," Adams said Thursday. "There's dignity in giving you a job, so you can provide for your family"4.
The mayor touted his record on crime reduction and economic development while acknowledging his challenges. "I'm perfectly imperfect," he told Fox 5 New York. "Which 65-year-old you know hasn't made mistakes?"5
Adams was indicted in September 2024 on federal charges of bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy, becoming the first sitting New York mayor to face federal criminal charges12. Prosecutors alleged he accepted over $100,000 in benefits from Turkish officials, including luxury travel and hotel stays, in exchange for political favors13.
The Trump administration's Justice Department ordered prosecutors to dismiss the case in February 2025, citing concerns it could interfere with Adams' cooperation on immigration enforcement42. U.S. Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case with prejudice in April, preventing future prosecution4.
Adams faces an uphill battle with historically low approval ratings. A March Quinnipiac poll showed only 20 percent of voters approve of his performance, the lowest for any New York mayor in nearly 30 years1.
The November election will feature Adams against Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and potentially Cuomo, who is considering an independent run after his primary loss23. Political consultant O'Brien Murray told CBS News that running as an independent gives Adams "a better shot at keeping his job" despite his polling challenges4.
