Mayor Eric Adams emphatically dismissed speculation on Friday that he plans to abandon his tough re-election effort for a job under a potential Trump administration.
Adams Denies Exit Rumors
“I am staying in this race. I am the only one with a path to defeat [Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran] Mamdani,” Adams stated at a quickly convened press conference at Gracie Mansion on September 5.
His comments followed a statement earlier in the day that appeared to keep options open for possible federal opportunities. “I will always consider a call to serve our country,” Adams remarked.
There have been reports of Adams being offered a position at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and being in the mix for ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro later acknowledged Adams recently spoke with Trump advisor Steve Witkoff while in Florida. Still, Adams rejected rumors he will attend meetings with Trump officials in Washington next week, dismissing an NY1 report to the contrary. Neither Adams nor Shapiro confirmed if any such meeting might take place at a future date.
Critiquing His Opponents
Now running as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, Adams confronts a competitive four-way race against Mamdani, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Recent polls show Mamdani in the lead, with centrist and unaffiliated voters split among the other contenders.
During Friday’s event, Adams sharply criticized Cuomo, blaming him for fueling rumors about his possible exit from the race. Adams labeled Cuomo a “snake and a liar,” accusing him of historically undermining Black officeholders. Adams did not provide evidence for his accusation.
Mamdani, for his part, also accused Cuomo of conspiring with Trump to force Adams out, though Cuomo maintained he hasn’t communicated with Trump in more than a year. Cuomo’s campaign would not respond to Adams’ specific criticisms.
Adams Highlights Achievements
Adams cast himself as the champion of working-class New Yorkers, drawing distinctions with Mamdani and Cuomo, whom he labeled “spoiled brats trying to run the city.”
“They’re not like us. They’ve never had to struggle. They’ve never had to endure hardship like you and me,” Adams said.
Mamdani held both Adams and Cuomo responsible for the city’s ongoing affordability crisis, central to his campaign. “In November, we’ll create a New York City that working people can afford,” Mamdani asserted.
Even with polling numbers lagging, Adams promised to continue his campaign, promoting progress made on crime, recovery from the pandemic, and addressing homelessness since 2022. “We must not turn back,” he stated.
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