Eric Adams Withdraws from NYC Mayoral Race, Bill Ackman Urges Curtis Sliwa to Follow Suit

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially withdrawn from the 2025 mayoral election, a significant development in the city's political landscape. The announcement, made in September 2025, follows a tumultuous period for Adams, who had been seeking re-election as an independent after facing federal corruption charges that were ultimately dismissed.

Prominent investor and activist Bill Ackman swiftly reacted to the news on social media, commending Adams for his decision. > "Thank you @ericadamsfornyc for your service for our city and for stepping aside when the time was right!" Ackman stated in a tweet.

Ackman then directly addressed Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels and Adams' Republican opponent in the 2021 mayoral race. > "@CurtisSliwa, you should follow Eric’s lead for the good of NYC," Ackman urged, implying that Sliwa should also withdraw from any potential mayoral bid.

Adams' withdrawal comes after a period marked by federal indictment on bribery and campaign finance charges in September 2024. Although these charges were dismissed in April 2025 by a federal judge, a move that drew scrutiny regarding its timing and potential political motivations, his approval ratings had plummeted to record lows. He subsequently announced an independent run for the 2025 election after exiting the Democratic primary.

Curtis Sliwa, who previously ran for mayor in 2021, has been a vocal figure in New York City politics, known for his conservative stance and public safety advocacy. Sliwa had not formally announced a 2025 mayoral campaign at the time of Ackman's tweet, but his past political activities and continued public presence suggest a potential future run, prompting Ackman's direct appeal.