Eric Adams to run for re-election as an independent and plans to start his own party
The decision comes to light after a federal judge dismissed bribery charges against the mayor.
Adams during a news conference.
Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, revealed Thursday that he will withdraw from the Democratic primary and run for re-election as an independent candidate. According to him, federal bribery charges against him would have made it impossible for him to mount a primary campaign.
In an interview with Politico, Adams, whose criminal case was dismissed Wednesday, said he will not run in the primary in June because his process "took too long."
Politics
Mass resignations in the Adams administration create a crisis in New York City's mayor's office
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The mayor also announced plans to found his own political party and run for a second term.
"I firmly believe that this city is best served by truly independent leadership, not leaders driven by extremists on the far left or the far right, but those rooted in the common core, the place where the vast majority of New Yorkers are firmly rooted," Adams commented on a video.
Eric Adams would rely on a strong base of people outside Manhattan, with an emphasis on the ethnic minorities who propelled him to victory four years ago, according to his remarks.
The U.S. official plans to submit the 3750 signatures needed, due May 27, to secure a spot on the November ballot in a campaign focused on public safety, he explained in the recording.
The decision came after intense speculation over whether Adams would remain in the Democratic primary, where several opponents, including former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, have entered the race for mayor.
Federal judge dismisses corruption charges against mayor
A federal judge announced Wednesday that corruption charges against Eric Adams have been dismissed. The mayor is thus cleared of the case, which by the judge's order may not be refiled against the New York mayor.
Dale E. Ho, of the Southern District of New York, was the one who ruled in favor of the Democrat, who a few months ago found a point of understanding with the Trump Administration so that the Department of Justice asked to drop the case against him.
The investigation and indictment alleged that Adams improperly used his mayoral office to solicit illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel from foreign nationals from Turkey, businessmen and others.
123,000 in luxury travel paid for by Turkey
The total sum of the cost of the trips known through the indictment document amounts to as much as $123,000, paid for by foreign agents, and enjoyed by Adams and, at times a companion. Exotic and luxurious destinations such as France, Hungary, Turkey on several occasions, China and India.
In all these trips, as the indictment shows, Adams stayed in the best hotels in each destination. In Istanbul, for example, Adams slept in the Bentley suite of the St. Regis hotel, one of the most exclusive in the city of the Bosphorus.
Adams declared his innocence at all times and did not leave office, despite the fact that the accusation significantly destabilized his government team.
Eric Adams is the only New York mayor indicted on federal charges while serving in office.
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