Zohran Mamdani Remains Frontrunner in NYC Mayoral Race After Eric Adams Exits, Jewish Vote Up for Grabs

"Adams - whose term in office has been marked by legal drama, declining public support, and mounting political pressure - cited fundraising challenges, media scrutiny, and weakening momentum as key reasons for his exit. Though Adams's name will remain on the ballot since his announcement came after the deadline for printing them, his decision to drop out removes an active campaign that had drawn critical support from center-left and moderate constituencies."

"With Adams suspending his candidacy, the mayoral contest is now largely a showdown between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a far-left democratic socialist with an extensive history of anti-Israel rhetoric, and the independent candidacy of scandal-plagued former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa is also still in the race, but recent polling and New York City's overwhelmingly Democratic electorate indicate a likely third-place finish."

"The exit of Adams compresses the field and raises the stakes for how his base, particularly moderate Democrats in combination with business-friendly and pro-Israel voters, may realign. Mamdani, the 33‑year‑old member of the New York State Assembly, defeated Cuomo and other candidates in a lopsided first‑round win in the city's Democratic primary for mayor, notching approximately 43.5 percent of first‑choice votes compared to Cuomo's 36.4 percent."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from his reelection bid just over a month before Election Day, citing fundraising challenges, media scrutiny, weakening momentum, legal drama, declining public support, and mounting political pressure. Adams's name will remain on the ballot because the announcement came after the printing deadline, but his active campaign and center-left and moderate backing have exited the race. The contest now centers on Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a far-left democratic socialist with a history of anti-Israel rhetoric, and independent Andrew Cuomo, with Republican Curtis Sliwa likely finishing third. Mamdani won the Democratic primary with about 43.5 percent versus Cuomo's 36.4 percent. Observers disagree on whether Adams's withdrawal will consolidate anti-Mamdani votes behind Cuomo or leave Mamdani's momentum intact. Many Jewish voters are seeking an alternative candidate.

Read at Algemeiner.com