NYC mayor denies withdrawal rumors, says speculation hurts campaign

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Mayor Eric Adams sat down with Al Sharpton to set the record straight about his re-election campaign and the challenges he’s facing.

Mayor Adams opened up about how persistent media speculation over his potential withdrawal has created significant hurdles for his campaign, particularly when it comes to fundraising.

“I’ve stated for the last few months what I was going to do, and now you’re seeing an undermining of my campaign,” Adams said. He noted that ongoing headlines about him possibly dropping out have confused voters and “made it difficult to raise the money needed to compete effectively.”

Adams described how, over almost two months, rumors circulated about everything from trips to Saudi Arabia, to accepting roles at HUD, and even meeting President Trump at a Yankees game—stories that, he says, were simply not true.

“So you have to ask the question, what is the real agenda here?”

Despite these challenges, Adams stressed that he continues to sit down with his team to find ways to keep the campaign moving.

“When you see what I have undergone for the last seven weeks, it has hurt our ability; we have to make the right decision,” he said.

As the mayor’s campaign navigates this turbulence, Zohran Mamdani leads the mayoral race with about 45% support, well ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo at 25%, and Republican Curtis Sliwa further behind.

Election Day for the mayoral race in New York City is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m..