Adams cites cash-strapped campaign and media bias as NYC mayoral race narrows
Mayor says fundraising and press coverage threaten bid with 40 days to Election Day amid polling showing a crowded field
New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended his re-election campaign as fundraising challenges and perceived media bias loom over the race for City Hall with roughly 40 days until Election Day.
During an appearance on Power 101.5 FM's The Breakfast Club, Adams said fundraising remains essential and blamed a lack of donors and public matching funds from the Campaign Finance Board for limiting his ability to reach voters. "I need my money!" he exclaimed. "What people don’t understand when you run for mayor, one of the most important aspects of running for mayor is raising the money." He followed with, "So, they orchestrated and organized to really undermine my campaign. When you hear that 'mayor is dropping out' over and over again, your funders are gone." Adams said his team has been meeting with funders and campaigning behind the scenes, adding, "and I have a day job."
He said the lack of donors and repeated denial of matching funds has undermined his ability to communicate his message and that he spent $8 million the last time he ran, now down to half of that amount. "I spent $8 million the last time I ran. I’m down to now half of that now." "Right now I’m depending on print media to tell my story," he said, before railing against the media.
Adams' campaign has not held a public event since last Friday, fueling speculation that he could bow out of the race. He emphasized that the fundraising landscape has constrained his outreach.
A Fox News poll shows Adams trailing in fourth place with about 7-8% support, while Zohran Mamdani led with 47% and Andrew Cuomo had 29%. The poll also found 51% of voters believe his administration is corrupt. Mamdani’s lead underscores a crowded field in a race that has been difficult for Adams to consolidate support.
As the field remains crowded, Adams faces a challenging path to gains before Election Day in November. The latest polling data have amplified questions about the trajectory of his re-election bid and how much fundraising and media dynamics will influence the final result.
