New York City Mayor Eric Adams will appear on the November ballot under the independent line “Safe & Affordable,” officials said Tuesday, after he abandoned a separate bid to run on an “EndAntisemitism” ballot line that he had sought to add.
The city Board of Elections signed off on the November ballot at a meeting Tuesday and agreed to a compromise that places the words “EndAntisemitism” beneath Adams’ name on the ballot rather than as a distinct ballot line. Adams had initially pursued both lines and threatened legal action when the board indicated a candidate could not appear on two separate independent lines.
The decision comes amid a turbulent few weeks in the mayoral race, marked by speculation about candidates’ long-term plans and efforts by some political operatives to reshape the field. A Siena Research/NY Times survey released Tuesday showed the Democratic nominee, Zohran Mamdani, leading with 46% support, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 24% and Adams at 9%. Cuomo is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary and will appear on the ballot under the “Fight and Deliver” line. Long-shot independent Jim Walden, who announced he was suspending his campaign last week, will nonetheless remain on the ballot, the BOE determined.
Adams has said he will remain in the race. Speaking to reporters outside Gracie Mansion last week, he criticized Cuomo and asserted his candidacy. “Andrew Cuomo is a snake and a liar. I am in the race and I’m the only one that can get the job done,” Adams said.
The maneuvering in the contest has included reports of attempts to persuade Adams or Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to withdraw in a way that could improve Cuomo’s chances against Mamdani. There has also been national attention and rumors about outside involvement, including speculation that former President Donald Trump might have an interest in the outcome; there has been no official confirmation of a coordinated intervention.
The Board of Elections’ action ends a technical and legal dispute over how independent lines appear on the ballot. Under city election rules, independent ballot lines can be used to convey a candidate’s priorities or branding; the board’s compromise allows Adams to retain his chosen messaging without creating a separate line that would formally list as an independent candidacy distinct from “Safe & Affordable.”
Campaign activity and voter sentiment heading into November reflect a fragmented field. Mamdani’s primary victory and continued lead in polls have reshaped the race, prompting allies of other candidates to consider strategic options. Cuomo’s independent bid has drawn national scrutiny given his profile as a former two-term governor, while Adams’ standing as the incumbent mayor has been undercut in some surveys by low favorability and concerns among voters about his performance.
The BOE’s certification of the ballot ensures the names and lines will appear as voters expect in November. Officials said the board’s decision was procedural and intended to ensure clarity for voters. The campaign offices for Adams and Cuomo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the BOE ruling and the broader strategic discussions surrounding potential withdrawals or alliances.
As the campaign enters its final months, candidates face the twin tasks of consolidating support and navigating a complex ballot that includes party nominees, independent lines and suspended candidates still listed. How the “Safe & Affordable” designation and the “EndAntisemitism” notation will affect voters’ choices remains uncertain, but the BOE’s compromise resolves the immediate legal dispute over ballot presentation ahead of the November election.
