New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday insisted he would remain in his reelection campaign, denying reports that he might abandon the race to accept a job in the administration of President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a hastily called news conference at the mayor’s official residence, Gracie Mansion, Adams said, “I want to be clear: Andrew Cuomo is a snake and a liar. I am in this race. And I am the only one who can beat Mamdani.” He added, “How many times have I been told throughout this journey to step aside, to surrender, to give up, to give in. 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.”
The statements came after several news reports this week said intermediaries for Trump had contacted people in the mayor’s orbit to explore whether Adams might consider abandoning his reelection bid in exchange for a federal post. Adams has spent the week publicly fending off those reports and repeatedly asserting his commitment to the mayoral contest.
Earlier Friday, Adams released a written statement saying he “will always listen if called to serve our country,” but that he had not received any offer. The mayor is running for reelection against several challengers, and Adams specifically referenced Zohran Mamdani as a rival he believes he can defeat.
Adams’ remarks followed mounting media attention about outreach to his aides and associates. The reports did not identify any formal offer from the White House or name specific administration officials involved in the outreach. Adams’ campaign did not provide additional documentation of contact with Trump administration intermediaries.
The mayor’s declaration that he will remain in the race seeks to tamp down speculation that a sudden federal appointment could alter the city’s mayoral contest. Adams has faced political pressure on multiple fronts during his tenure, and the prospect of a high-profile federal role had become the subject of debate among political observers and in local media coverage.
Adams’ insistence on staying in the race sets the stage for continued campaigning ahead of the city’s election calendar. His opponents and political allies will now proceed on the assumption he remains an active candidate, while media and political operatives continue to monitor for any further developments regarding outreach from the Trump administration or other potential offers of federal service.