NEW YORK (RTWNews) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that he is ending his campaign for reelection.

In a video released on social media, Adams spoke with pride about his achievements as mayor, such as a decline in violent crime. However, he mentioned that “constant media speculation” about his future and a decision by the city’s campaign finance board to withhold public funding from his reelection effort made it impossible for him to continue.

“Despite all we’ve achieved, I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams stated.

The one-term Democrat’s withdrawal comes shortly after he asserted he would remain in the race, arguing that everyday New Yorkers don’t “surrender.”

Nonetheless, speculation about his potential exit has persisted for the past year, particularly after his campaign suffered due to various scandals, including a now-dismissed federal bribery case and backlash from his close association with President Donald Trump. He chose to bypass the Democratic primary, entering the contest as an independent.

Adams Makes No Endorsements in Dropping Out

In his announcement, Adams did not endorse any remaining candidates but warned of “insidious forces” attempting to manipulate local governance to promote divisive agendas. He remarked, “Major change is welcome and necessary, but beware of those who claim the answer (is) to destroy the very system we built over generations.”

His exit could offer a boost to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has branded himself as the only candidate capable of overcoming the Democratic Party’s nominee, state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.

Adams’ supporters may not necessarily turn to Cuomo, however, given Mamdani’s strong platform aimed at addressing the high cost of living.

Polls conducted early in September showed the struggles Adams faced, with many voters leaning toward Mamdani over Cuomo, while Adams and another candidate, Curtis Sliwa, lagged behind.

Adams, who is the second Black mayor in the city’s history, took office in 2022 with a promise to tackle crime and revive the city post-pandemic. Although crime rates have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, the mayor’s tenure has been marred by persistent scandals and federal investigations.

In recent times, he has faced fraud and bribery charges, which he has denied, and his relationship with Trump has drawn scrutiny, especially during the political shift that followed the 2020 elections.

Adams remarked, “History is going to be kind to me when I’m out of the political spotlight in 10, 15 years, and they look over and say: You know what? We have to give this guy his due.”