New York City Mayor Eric Adams firmly denied claims that he would withdraw from his reelection campaign if offered a position in the Trump administration.
Two sources told CNN that aides to President Donald Trump have floated the idea of offering Adams a role in the administration in an effort to narrow the field before November’s general election. The aim, according to those familiar with the discussions, was to prevent Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani from becoming the city’s next mayor.
Speaking at a press conference in the Bronx on Wednesday, Adams said he had no intention of leaving the race. “I have a job. I’m running for my reelection. I am still doing that, and I’m looking forward to getting reelected,” he told reporters.
The New York Times first reported the conversations, which also involved finding a position for Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. A reduced field could benefit former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the June Democratic primary to Mamdani by 12 points. Cuomo’s campaign declined to comment.
Mamdani responded quickly at a press conference in Manhattan, accusing Trump of trying to interfere in New York’s democratic process. He argued that any offer to Adams was designed to boost Cuomo’s chances. “The reason that so many New Yorkers are fed up with politics as they know it is because of news like this,” Mamdani said. “Backroom deals, corrupt agreements, all of which serve to increase the sense of disaffection and despair as it pertains to how people feel about politics across this country.” Mamdani added that he was confident of victory regardless of his opponent, saying, “I don’t care about who we will face in November. We’ll beat them all.”
Trump ally John Catsimatidis, a Republican businessman, told CNN he believed the president did not want a socialist leading New York. “New York is the capitalist capital of the world and should continue to be that,” Catsimatidis said.
Cuomo has denied coordinating with Trump and said he never sought his involvement in the mayoral race. He has, however, suggested his chances against Mamdani would improve in a two-way contest. Sliwa also rejected any suggestion he would leave the race, saying in a statement, “The White House has not contacted me, and I’m not interested in a job with the White House. My focus is right here in New York. I’m the only candidate on a major party line who can defeat Mamdani, and I’m committed to carrying this fight through to Election Day.”
Speculation around Adams has grown in recent weeks. His trip to Florida, initially described as personal, raised questions after he confirmed he met with Miami’s mayor and other political figures during the visit. Adams’ spokesperson Todd Shapiro denied any talks with Trump, saying, “Mayor Adams has not met with Donald Trump — don’t believe the noise. He is not dropping out of the race.” Shapiro added that Adams remains committed to winning reelection, pointing to falling crime and rising jobs as part of his record.
Adams’ campaign has faced challenges due to corruption cases involving close associates. A former senior adviser was indicted last month on charges of corruption and bribery. Earlier this year, Adams himself was charged in a wide-ranging case alleging illegal donations from foreign nationals, but the charges were dismissed after the Department of Justice under Trump ordered prosecutors to drop them. Both Cuomo and Mamdani have claimed the dismissal was part of a broader deal to align the city with Trump’s immigration policies, an accusation Adams rejects.
Adams has repeatedly said he favors maintaining a working relationship with Trump’s administration. When asked whether he might consider leaving office for another position, he noted that he frequently receives offers. “I have been getting calls from private industries, from boards, from educational institutions I have been getting offers,” he said. “To say would you take a job in an administration, or would I take it somewhere else, that is hypothetical. I am running for office, I’m going to finish doing that I got work to do, I have more ribbons to cut before I finish up this term.”
