— New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced outside Gracie Mansion that he will remain a candidate for a second term, rejecting pressure to withdraw and pledging to continue the city’s recent progress while aiming to defeat challenger Zohran Mamdani.
Key Takeaways
- Mayor Eric Adams confirmed on Sept. 5, 2025, he will stay in the mayoral race for a second term.
- Adams accused former Governor Andrew Cuomo of attempting to push him out of the contest.
- He specifically named Zohran Mamdani as the opponent he intends to beat.
- The announcement was made outside Gracie Mansion and followed mounting speculation about his campaign’s viability.
- Adams framed his candidacy around continuity of the city’s recent policy achievements.
Verified Facts
On Sept. 5, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams told reporters outside Gracie Mansion that he intends to remain in the New York City mayoral contest and pursue re-election for a second term. The mayor said he plans to ‘continue the success that the city has witnessed’ since he took office.
The mayor referenced Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist currently favored in some polls, as the rival he plans to defeat. Adams used the occasion to criticize actions by Andrew Cuomo, saying Cuomo tried to push him out of the race; that claim was made publicly during the same briefing.
The remarks were first reported on Sept. 5 and were followed by updates later that day. Campaign dynamics have included vigorous debate over policy, endorsements, and polling shifts among Democratic voters in the city.
Context & Impact
Adams’s decision to stay changes the immediate media and campaign narrative by depriving opponents of a potential withdrawal storyline and refocusing attention on the general election fight. His pledge to remain in the race comes amid growing support for progressive challengers in parts of the city.
Political implications include:
- Fundraising pressures may intensify for both the incumbent and challengers as the field clarifies.
- Endorsement battles within the Democratic Party could shape primary turnout and messaging.
- Policy contrasts—public safety, housing, transit—are likely to be foregrounded in debates and ads.
Official Statements
‘I am running, and I am going to beat Mamdani,’ Adams said outside Gracie Mansion while asserting his intention to continue the city’s progress.
Eric Adams
Unconfirmed
- Specific private conversations or direct evidence supporting Adams’s claim that Andrew Cuomo attempted to push him out have not been independently confirmed in available reporting.
- How endorsements and donor commitments will shift in the immediate days after the announcement remains uncertain.
Bottom Line
By publicly committing to stay in the race, Mayor Adams has set the stage for a contested primary or general campaign season, emphasizing continuity and direct competition with Zohran Mamdani. Expect intensified fundraising, sharper policy contrasts, and increased media scrutiny as campaigns respond.