(Why We’re Not) Out of the Woods

Monday, September 29, 2025

With Eric Adams’ sudden exit from the New York City mayoral race, some moderates and conservatives cheered. The failed incumbent, plagued by scandals and sagging credibility, seemed to be the one figure whose presence was muddying the waters. But Adams’ departure does not solve the central problem facing New York. If anything, it makes it more urgent. Because the danger in this race has never been Adams—it has always been Zohran Mamdani.