President Donald Trump is considering New York City Mayor Eric Adams for U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a move that could alter the city’s mayoral race weeks before Election Day.
The reported talks come as Adams struggles in his reelection campaign. State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and a democratic socialist, holds a commanding lead in polls with just 60 days until the November vote. Adams, who is facing corruption allegations, has single-digit support and is running as an independent alongside former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, is the Republican candidate.
Political analysts have said Adams leaving the race could help Cuomo consolidate support among voters opposed to Mamdani. Adams, however, denied receiving a formal offer from the Trump administration. “While I will always listen if called to serve our country, no formal offers have been made. I am still running for reelection, and my full focus is on the safety and quality of life of every New Yorker,” he said in a statement. He added, “Serving New Yorkers as their mayor is the only job I’ve ever wanted.”
The New York Times first reported the ambassadorship discussions, later confirmed by Politico, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The White House did not immediately comment.
Adams bypassed the June Democratic primary but has pledged to remain in the race until the Nov. 4 general election. Trump, a Queens native, has played an outsized role in the campaign. His Justice Department dismissed federal corruption charges against Adams in April, saying the case was politically motivated and hindered Adams from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Adams had previously visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago and attended his inauguration, actions critics said were aimed at influencing the case.
Trump has made clear he opposes Mamdani’s candidacy, warning he would not allow the 33-year-old lawmaker to become mayor. He has even threatened to arrest Mamdani if he refuses to let federal officials enforce immigration laws. Mamdani has pledged to end New York City’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if elected.
On Sept. 4, Trump said he wanted the crowded field reduced. “I think that’s a race that could be won,” he told reporters, suggesting two candidates should drop out but without naming them.
Mamdani called Trump’s attempts to intervene in the race “outrageous,” accusing the administration of meddling in the city’s democratic process.
