NYC Mayor Adams Withdraws from Democratic Primary to Initiate Independent Re-Election Campaign – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
9:30 AM – Thursday, April 3, 2025
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has declared that he will not pursue the Democratic nomination, choosing instead to run as an independent candidate in a challenging campaign.
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Adams (D-N.Y.) made his revelation in a campaign video, only a day after a federal judge dismissed the corruption case against him, which included federal bribery charges.
“More than 25,000 New Yorkers signed my Democratic primary petition, but the protracted dismissal of this unfounded case against me made it impossible to launch a primary campaign while facing these false charges,” Adams stated in the six-minute video.
“However, I am not a quitter. I am a New Yorker,” he added. “Thus, while I remain a Democrat, I am announcing that I will bypass the Democratic primary for mayor and appeal directly to all New Yorkers as an independent candidate in the general election.”
The often-controversial mayor emphasized that New York City would benefit more by not settling for a Republican or Democratic candidate but instead choosing someone who prioritizes the needs of New Yorkers “over politics and party.”
“I genuinely believe that this city deserves authentic independent leadership, not leaders succumbing to extremes on either side, but instead those who are grounded in the shared middle ground, where the majority of New Yorkers stand,” Adams asserted.
As reported by the New York Post, the mayor had been considering an independent run even while his corruption case was active.
In his announcement, Adams acknowledged that the allegations against him may have altered voter perception.
“I acknowledge that the accusations against me may have eroded your trust in me and that you understandably have questions regarding my conduct,” he expressed.
“To clarify, despite the charges being false, I relied on individuals I should not have and I regret that. Yet, my challenges are minor compared to yours.”
“Ultimately, the decision of who governs this city for the next four years lies with you,” he remarked. “As someone who has consistently fought for you and is accountable solely to you, I hope to earn your support.”
However, Adams is likely to face considerable challenges in changing public opinion after a first term filled with controversy.
Opponents in the already competitive Democratic primary quickly criticized Adams for his shift, alleging he is strengthening his ties with President Donald Trump following the dismissal of federal charges.
“This is yet another act by Eric Adams that moves him closer to Trump. New York requires a mayor who stands up to the president, not one who yields to him. I will not allow Donald Trump to take control of our city,” stated NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie, who also announced his candidacy, responded critically to the situation.
“Let’s be clear. Donald Trump is relentlessly working to dismantle our country, Andrew Cuomo is attempting to leverage our city for his personal redemption, and now Eric Adams… let’s not even get started. This isn’t leadership; it’s a circus,” he remarked.
“This is our home, not their comeback stage. New Yorkers face real issues — and they need genuine, proactive leadership to resolve them.”
Zohran Mamdani, a socialist state assembly member from Queens, criticized Adams for abandoning the Democratic Party.
“Just a day after Donald Trump’s dubious deal resulted in his corruption charges being dropped, Eric Adams has officially left the Democratic Party,” he commented.
“The irony is that there’s nothing ‘independent’ about Eric Adams, who is completely beholden to wealthy real estate developers, billionaires, and the far-right.”
“Regardless of the party to which Adams flees, New Yorkers deserve better than a self-serving, disgraced mayor who prioritizes his interests above theirs.”
Adams informed Politico on Monday that he plans to submit the necessary 3,750 signatures by May 27th, aiming to secure his position on the ballot for the November election.
Meanwhile, the beleaguered mayor reported having only $3 million in campaign funds as of last month after a lackluster first fundraising period garnered just $36,000.
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