Eric Adams Exits the 2025 Mayoral Race: What This Means for NYC Young Voters.
- thepaper6
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Maria Valentina Castañeda Castellanos
Current NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday, September 28th that he would be dropping out of the mayoral race — an unexpected decision that drastically shifts New York’s political outlook just a few weeks away from the election. His choice comes after months of low approbation, corruption investigations, and growing criticism over how his administration has managed the city so far.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Adams said he no longer believed he could run an effective campaign due to the “negative media coverage” plus the financial issues he faced after the Finance Board refused to release several million dollars in matching funds for his campaign. His administration has also faced multiple corruption probes and many leadership changes, including four different police commissioners in less than three years. All of these factors have contributed to a decrease in public trust over his term of office.
With Adams stepping aside, the 2025 mayoral race has been completely shaken up. As Commercial Observer reported, the mayor had fallen behind fourth place in recent polls, behind the State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Guardian Angels’ founder Curtis Sliwa. Without an incumbent in the race, the remaining candidates are now rushing to win over Adams’s former supporters and undecided voters.
Zohran Mamdani, a socialist democrat from Queens, has gained support from young and progressive voters. His platform focuses on affordable housing, investing in public transit, and tackling cost-of-living issues — policies that appeal to many students and first-time voters. However, The Wall Street Journal notes that critics, like Cuomo, warn these proposals could increase the city’s financial pressure if not implemented correctly.
Meanwhile, The New York Times reports that Adams’s withdrawal has triggered a quick realignment among donors and political groups. Cuomo could now take advantage of moderate voters who are looking for a more experienced alternative, while Sliwa continues to appeal to conservative-leaning voters focusing on public safety.
For young voters — especially students at public schools like CCNY— this situation represents an opportunity to shape the city’s next chapter. Topics such as rent, public transportation, and youth employment are now at the center of the debate.
With Adams out, the 2025 election is no longer about defending an administration and more about redefining New York City’s priorities. The remaining question is: Which candidate is capable of leading a city that seems ready for a new beginning?
Originally from Colombia, María Valentina is now a freshman at City College studying Economics and working as a restaurant hostess in Westchester. Living in New York has inspired her to read and write about politics, philosophy, and the immigrant experience. She hopes to use her voice to advocate for greater recognition and rights for immigrants in the future.