Speculation grows over possible Adams, Sliwa exits in mayor’s race
Reports that Trump is concerned Mamdani could win NYC mayoral race
President Donald Trump has allegedly urged New York City mayoral hopefuls to drop out by next week in a bid to prevent a socialist-run City Hall. FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay breaks it down.
NEW YORK - With just weeks until New York City’s mayoral election, speculation is mounting that the four-way race could soon shrink to two.
The Post reports that President Donald Trump has urged mayoral hopefuls to drop out by next week in a bid to prevent a socialist-run City Hall, though this has not been confirmed by FOX 5 NY.
John Catsimatidi a billionaire businessman with longtime ties to both New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, apparently told The Post that Trump was "concerned about the New York City race," and that "he does not want a socialist mayor."
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In response to speculation about his future in the mayor’s race, a spokesperson for Adams said, "Mayor Adams has not met with Donald Trump — don’t believe the noise. He is not dropping out of the race.
What happens if Adams drops out?
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Reports suggest Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa may both face pressure to step aside, leaving Democratic Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the leading contenders.
The New York Times reported Wednesday that advisers to Trump have discussed offering Adams a role in the administration if he drops out. Politico added that Adams has been floated for a potential post at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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Does Cuomo have a path to victory? Latest polls
Poll shows Cuomo trailing Mamdani in NYC mayor’s race, but he leads in a head-to-head scenario, if other candidates bow out, a big "if."
What has Mamdani said?
White House involvement in NYC mayoral race
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In an emergency press conference Wednesday, Zohran said there were many ethical issues with the alleged conversations when asked if the talks could be a form of quid pro quo.
"I have not met a single New Yorker that has told me they want Donald Trump to determine the course of this election," Mamdani said at the press conference. "We choose our own leaders."
Where does this leave Cuomo?
When asked about facing off with fellow mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani said, "I have no issue facing Andrew Cuomo one-on-one…if I was worried about polling, I wouldn't be the Democratic nominee."
The maneuvering has fueled accusations of political interference aimed at boosting Cuomo’s path to City Hall.
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Adams says he hasn’t met Trump, vows to stay in mayor’s race
Adams says he isn't worried because of his communication and work flow with the Trump administration.
Cuomo has not commented on the reports and has avoided public events this week. The Trump campaign has also stayed silent.
At the same time, Trump advisers have also reportedly weighed the possibility of finding a federal role to entice Sliwa to exit, though the Republican nominee has flatly rejected the idea.
Sliwa says he's here to stay
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"I will never drop out," Sliwa said. "I am the Republican Party candidate."
Sliwa also issued a statement on X in response to the allegations as well.
"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," he added. "The people of New York City deserve a Mayor who will finally make the city work for the hard-working people who power it."
Adams denied that any such talks had taken place but offered a carefully worded response when asked directly.
Spokesperson to Mayor Eric Adams said:
"Although Mayor Adams has been the most pro-housing mayor in New York City’s history, at no time did he ask for — nor was he offered — a job at HUD. Over the last few years, the Mayor has shown his ability to block out the noise and stay focused on delivering for New Yorkers. He demonstrated that again today with his announcement of a new life center at Hostos College. Mayor Adams looks forward to another four years of delivering results for the people of this city. And if the HUD job does open, Andrew Cuomo held that position before and can always continue where he left off."
NYC mayoral polls
Recent polls show Zohran Mamdani holding a steady lead in the New York City mayor’s race, with support ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s across several surveys.
An American Pulse poll conducted Aug. 14-19 found Mamdani at 37%, followed by Andrew Cuomo at 25%, Curtis Sliwa at 17% and Mayor Eric Adams at 11%.
A Gotham Polling survey on Aug. 11 showed Mamdani at 42%, Cuomo at 23%, Sliwa at 17% and Adams at 9%. A Siena University poll taken Aug. 4-7 put Mamdani at 44%, Cuomo at 25%, Sliwa at 12% and Adams at 7%.
The Source: This report is based on information from The New York Times, POLITICO, and interviews from Mamdani and Cuomo.