New York Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that he is ending his independent re-election bid, citing financial struggles after the city’s campaign finance board withheld millions in funds and ongoing media scrutiny.

Once a frontrunner, Adams’ popularity plummeted following federal corruption charges that were later dropped, leaving him polling far behind rivals.

His withdrawal reshapes the mayoral race, which now centers on Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Adams stopped short of endorsing another candidate but warned against “extremism” in city politics, a veiled criticism of Mamdani.

Cuomo praised Adams’ record, while Mamdani framed Adams’ tenure as a betrayal of working-class New Yorkers, NBC News has reported.

Though Adams’ name will still appear on the ballot, his exit could consolidate anti-Mamdani support, potentially boosting Cuomo.

The election is set for November 4.