NYC mayor Eric Adams vows to stay in race, says he’s the only one who can defeat Mamdani

NYC Mayor Eric Adams says he is the only one who can beat Mamdani

New York City Mayor Eric Adams reaffirmed that he will not drop out of the reelection race, dismissing speculation about a potential role in the Trump administration. He stressed that he is “the only candidate strong enough to beat the Democratic nominee, Zohran Mamdani.”

“I am in this race. And I am the only one who can beat Mamdani," Adams said.

“How many times have I been told throughout this journey to step aside, to surrender, to give up, to give in,” he said. “That’s the same thing we tell everyday New Yorkers. Everyday New Yorkers are not giving up, are not giving in, are not surrendering, so their mayor is not going to do that.”

Earlier on Friday, Adams appeared to leave some room for speculation, stating that he “will always listen if called to serve our country,” though he noted he had not received any “formal offers.”

He also aimed fellow Democrats Zohran Mamdani and former governor Andrew Cuomo, dismissing them as “two spoiled brats who are not like us,” before walking away as reporters pressed him with questions.

Trump told reporters he would prefer not to see Zohran Mamdani, 33, become the next mayor of New York City, suggesting that former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa should step aside to allow a one-on-one contest.

Asked about Adams’ announcement, Trump said, “He’s free to do what he wants.” He added, “Cuomo might have a chance of winning if it was one-on-one,” but cautioned that “if you have more than one candidate running against (Mamdani), it can’t be won.”

(With agency inputs)