Eric Adams Weighs Independent Run as Re-Election Prospects Dim

Nick Carroway

Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly considering an independent run if he loses the upcoming Democratic primary, even as he remains undecided on seeking re-election amid mounting political and legal challenges, New York Post reported.

With approximately 100 days left until the June 24 primary, Adams has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail, even skipping a recent major forum with his challengers, NY Post noted. Sources close to the mayor suggest that his reluctance to campaign is largely due to the ongoing federal corruption case against him, as Judge Dale Ho deliberates whether to accept the Department of Justice’s request to dismiss the charges, a move initiated under President Trump’s administration.

Adams faces significant hurdles, including dismal polling numbers in a crowded field that features formidable contenders such as former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Additionally, he is burdened with over $700,000 in legal fees owed to his defense attorneys, further complicating his political future, NY Post reported.

Once a confident and energetic candidate who decisively won the 2021 mayoral election, Adams now finds himself in a drastically different position. His tenure, which began with promises to bring “swagger” back to New York City following Bill de Blasio’s administration, has been overshadowed by federal investigations into his administration and close associates. The situation worsened when he became the first sitting New York City mayor to face a federal indictment, a development that dramatically shifted his political standing.

Despite vehemently denying the corruption allegations, Adams has increasingly aligned himself with Trump, fueling speculation that he was seeking a pardon, New York Post highlighted. His case was ultimately dismissed in February by Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who argued that the prosecution was politically motivated and impeded Adams’ ability to campaign and assist with Trump’s immigration policies. However, critics claimed the dismissal suggested an improper “quid pro quo” that left Adams politically indebted to Trump rather than accountable to New York City voters.

The fallout from these events has led to calls for Adams to resign or be removed by Governor Kathy Hochul. His re-election campaign has been largely dormant, allowing competitors such as Cuomo and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to gain ground. Insiders blame the chaotic dismissal of Adams’ case for his current political limbo.

As he awaits Judge Ho’s final ruling on the case’s dismissal, Adams has largely avoided campaign events, including the major primary forum he skipped upon his lawyer’s advice, NY Post reported. An insider suggested that once the legal proceedings conclude, Adams might pivot aggressively to challenge Cuomo, believing he is no longer at risk of imprisonment.

Currently, Adams’ campaign appears nearly non-existent. His 2025 campaign website only recently launched, featuring a single page emphasizing his Democratic affiliation while linking to his largely inactive 2021 campaign social media accounts. He has raised $4.3 million, with $3.1 million in available funds, but has been denied crucial public matching funds. Meanwhile, his legal debts of $730,000 remain unpaid, making fundraising essential, New York Post noted.

Political experts suggest Adams’ path to re-election is extremely narrow. Spencer Kimball of Emerson College Polling pointed out that Adams’ unfavorable ratings among Democrats—standing at 59% in a recent poll—make it difficult for him to secure enough ranked-choice votes to win. In contrast, Cuomo holds a more favorable 55% rating among Democrats, positioning him as a stronger candidate.

Amid these difficulties, Adams has reportedly explored alternative political strategies, including briefly considering running as a Republican before shifting his focus to an independent candidacy, NY Post reported. Sources close to the mayor suggest that if he fails to gain traction in the Democratic primary, running as an independent could be a strategic move, allowing him to challenge a potentially weakened Democratic nominee in the general election.

However, pollsters like Mary Snow from Quinnipiac University caution that Adams faces an uphill battle. “While it’s impossible to predict the outcome of the NYC mayor’s race, at the moment, Mayor Adams faces a difficult road to re-election,” she said.

With time running out and his campaign still in limbo, Adams must soon decide his next move, as his political future remains uncertain.