New York Mayor Eric Adams set out Thursday to persuade skeptical voters to grant him a second term, hosting a kickoff event for his independent reelection bid after a corruption indictment, a controversial dismissal and a decision to drop out of a the Democratic primary.

Eric Adams was once a rising star in the Democratic Party. His reelection will hinge on taking down the newest one. Hours after Zohran Mamdani’s performance in New York City’s Democratic primary electrified national politics,

New York City Mayor Eric Adams kick-started his re-election bid as an independent candidate on Thursday. Adams was joined by about 100 supporters on the steps of the New York City Hall as he announced his candidacy and laid out a case for another four years as the city's mayor.