Eric Adams hailed for quitting mayoral race, pundits hope move is blow to lefty Zohran Mamdani

Eric Adams received praise for his choice to withdraw from the NYC mayoral race on Sunday, including support from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is now pursuing his own campaign for City Hall.

Cuomo remarked, “The decision Mayor Adams made today was not an easy one, but his intentions seem earnest in prioritizing the welfare of New York City over personal aspirations.” He is now the most significant challenger to left-leaning frontrunner Zohran Mamdani.

“We are confronted by destructive extremist forces that threaten to ruin our city due to their incompetence or ignorance, but it is still possible to thwart them,” the seasoned Democrat expressed in his statement.

Mamdani, the Democratic candidate leading in polling, attributed Adams’ withdrawal to influences from President Donald Trump, insisting it won’t affect the election outcome set for November.

“Donald Trump and his billionaire backers may have sway over Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo, but they won’t dictate the results of this election,” he stated.

“New Yorkers deserve better than exchanging one disgraced, corrupt politician for another,” he continued, referencing Cuomo, who stepped down from office in 2021 amidst various controversies.

“On November 4th, we intend to move past the politics of big money and trivial ideas, delivering a government that all New Yorkers can take pride in,” Mamdani asserted.

Adams faced mounting pressure to exit his independent re-election campaign to better position against Mamdani, whose socialist principles have alarmed many political observers.

Governor Kathy Hochul mentioned that Adams informed her of his decision before the public announcement and praised his administration’s achievements.

“We have improved access to mental health services and supportive housing for more New Yorkers. We’ve reduced crime in the subways and removed illegal firearms from the streets,” she stated.

Latest updates on Mayor Adams’ withdrawal from the 2025 NYC mayoral race:

• Eric Adams exits NYC mayoral race amid rising pressure: ‘I know I cannot continue my campaign’
• Adams critiques political ‘extremism’ while exiting NYC mayoral race – clearly aiming at socialist Zohran Mamdani
• Eric Adams commended for withdrawing from mayoral race; commentators hope it weakens leftist Zohran Mamdani
• Cuomo’s mayoral bid gains momentum following Adams’ exit – he faces challenges to surpass Mamdani

“I have appreciated his collaboration. He leaves New York City improved from what he inherited, which will always be a key part of his legacy as mayor,” she added.

Adams will still appear on the November ballot alongside Cuomo, who is contesting as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, who currently ranks third in polls.

“Curtis Sliwa is the only candidate equipped to defeat Mamdani,” asserted Sliwa’s campaign spokesperson Daniel Kurzyna in response to Adams’ announcement.

“Our team, resources, and funding are unparalleled,” Kurzyna added. “Most importantly, we have the most effective solutions to assist working people in affording to remain in New York City and feeling secure.”

Some political figures and analysts indicated that Adams’ decision may facilitate the organization of opposition against Mamdani.

“I commend Mayor Adams for prioritizing the city,” noted Staten Island GOP Representative Nicole Malliotakis. “It’s crucial we consolidate support to counter Mamdani and prevent his destructive and radical socialist agenda that would make our city less safe, more costly, and less livable.”

Conversely, others felt Adams should have withdrawn from the race much earlier.

“Once it became apparent that Mayor Adams would not be the Democratic candidate, he should have exited the campaign,” stated Republican City Councilwoman Joann Ariola.

“Instead, we experienced months of confusion due to his persistent attempts to remain in the race despite clear indications that he should step aside,” she explained. “I’m relieved he’s finally recognized this, but I wish he had done so months ago to prevent his name from appearing on the ballot entirely.”

Veteran political strategist Basil Smikle, who has worked on campaigns for Hillary Clinton and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, questioned the potential impact of Adams’ decision on the mayoral election.

“Considering the timing and Adams’ poll figures, it’s uncertain how significant this will be for the anti-Mamdani movement, but this does clear the stage for the one-on-one matchup that Cuomo desired,” he commented.

GOP consultant Bill O’Reilly suggested that while Adams’ exit might assist marginally, it may not be enough.

“This aids in the effort to counter Mamdani but only to a limited extent,” O’Reilly told The Post. “Some votes originally meant for Adams will likely shift to Sliwa and others to Cuomo, but those numbers might be minimal.”

“To genuinely defeat Mamdani at this point may necessitate a two-candidate race, which doesn’t seem to be on the horizon,” he remarked.