New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Thursday that he will withdraw from the city’s Democratic primary and instead seek re-election as an independent. He cited the prolonged federal bribery case, which has since been dismissed, as a key reason for his decision, claiming it made it impossible to run an effective primary campaign.
In a video statement, Adams explained, “I firmly believe that this city is better served by truly independent leadership—not leaders swayed by extremists on either the far left or far right, but those grounded in the common middle, where the vast majority of New Yorkers stand.”
Adams’ decision followed intense speculation over his political future, particularly as the Democratic primary has attracted strong contenders, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The mayor’s federal corruption case was dismissed by a federal judge on Wednesday, ending a legal battle that had significantly damaged his public image and raised concerns about his political independence. The charges, brought last year during the Biden administration, alleged that Adams accepted illegal campaign contributions and travel perks from a Turkish official and others. In return, he was accused of assisting Turkey in opening a diplomatic facility without meeting fire safety standards.
Adams pleaded not guilty to the charges and was scheduled for trial in April. However, the case was disrupted after the Trump administration’s Justice Department moved to drop the charges, citing Adams’ potential assistance with the president’s immigration agenda. This unusual move sparked widespread criticism and led to questions about Adams’ ties to the Trump administration.
In his ruling to dismiss the case, Federal Judge Dale E. Ho denied prosecutors the ability to refile the charges, stating that reviving the case could create the perception that the mayor’s freedom depended on his willingness to support the administration’s immigration priorities.
In his announcement video, Adams maintained his innocence but admitted the case had affected voters’ trust. “I know the accusations against me may have shaken your confidence, and you may have legitimate questions about my conduct. Let me be clear—while the charges were false, I trusted people I shouldn’t have, and I regret that,” he said.
Adams’ decision to run as an independent marks a significant shift in his political strategy as he seeks to secure a second term.
