New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he's running for re-election — but not as a Democrat.
Adams told Politico he’s launching an independent campaign. He said the now-dismissed federal bribery charges had "handcuffed" him. He wants to be “uninhibited” while campaigning.
"I’m in the race to the end. I’m not running on the Democratic line,” Adams said. “It hurts like hell.”
The road ahead won’t be easy. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo jumped into the race on March 1.
Last week, a federal judge threw out the charges against Adams. The accusations involved luxury travel and illegal campaign donations from Turkish nationals.
A Quinnipiac poll taken around Cuomo’s announcement gave Cuomo 31% support among NYC Democrats. Adams only had 11%.
That same poll showed Adams with just a 20% approval rating.
Adams criticized Cuomo during the interview. He blamed him for rising crime due to bail reform.
"Look at bail reform — that’s Andrew," Adams said. "He can’t say, ‘I’m going to save the city from the far left’ when he surrendered to the far left."
Adams said the charges held him back from being himself.
"I have been this racehorse that has been held back," he said. "This is so unnatural for me."
He plans to submit 3,750 signatures by May 27. That would get him on the November ballot.
"Now I need this runway until November to redefine and remind people: This is why you elected me in the first place," Adams said.