Leaders React After Eric Adams Exits NYC Mayoral Race: Cuomo, Mamdani, Sliwa Respond

The political scene in New York City was upended after Mayor Eric Adams announced his withdrawal from the 2025 mayoral race, citing public pressure and ongoing controversy. His decision has prompted swift and varied reactions from political leaders, rivals, and community voices across the city.

Mamdani: A Chance for Real Change

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and progressive frontrunner, framed Adams’ exit as proof of the city’s broken political system. He argued that New Yorkers must choose between “a future built by working people or a return to politics controlled by big money.” Mamdani pledged to fight for affordable housing, public safety reform, and accountability at City Hall.

Mamdani stressed that Adams’ withdrawal did not alter the stakes: “This is the same race, the same forces, and the same battle for the soul of New York.”

Cuomo: Opportunity and Warning

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, praised Adams for putting the city before personal ambition but also issued a warning. Cuomo cast Mamdani as a dangerous alternative, accusing him of pushing extreme ideas that could “devastate New York through incompetence or inexperience.”

With Adams out, Cuomo positioned himself as the centrist choice for stability, leadership, and experience. His campaign emphasized that voters now face a clear contrast between Cuomo and Mamdani.

Sliwa: The Republican Challenger

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa doubled down on his message, claiming he is the only candidate capable of stopping Mamdani. His campaign insisted that Sliwa has the resources, grassroots energy, and pragmatic solutions that neither Cuomo nor Mamdani can deliver.

Sliwa also criticized “political backroom deals” and said he had been pressured to consider leaving the race himself—an offer he claims he firmly rejected.

Other Leaders Respond

National and state figures also weighed in.

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Adams’ decades of service, from NYPD officer to Brooklyn Borough President to mayor. While commending his tenure, Jeffries declined to endorse a successor immediately, promising to make his position clear before early voting.

• Governor Kathy Hochul, who has endorsed Mamdani, thanked Adams for his service and said his legacy would include a safer, stronger New York City.

• Attorney General Letitia James echoed her support for Mamdani, highlighting his focus on affordability and community safety.

• Among ordinary New Yorkers, reactions were mixed. Some applauded Adams’ exit, citing dissatisfaction with rising living costs and unmet campaign promises, while others credited him with guiding the city through turbulent times.

A Race Redefined

Adams’ withdrawal has reshaped the race into a high-stakes battle between Mamdani’s progressive platform and Cuomo’s centrist appeal, with Sliwa fighting as a populist outsider. The outcome will define the direction of the nation’s largest city for years to come.

As the campaign enters its final stretch, one thing is clear: Eric Adams’ surprise exit has left a power vacuum—and intensified the fight for the future of New York City.

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