NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams is opting out of New York City’s Democratic primary and running for reelection as an independent — embarking on a narrow path as he further isolates himself from the city’s dominant political party.
The mayor confirmed his plans exclusively to POLITICO. In an interview Monday, Adams said he would “mount a real independent campaign” that relies on “a solid base of people” outside Manhattan, with an emphasis on ethnic minorities who boosted him to victory four years ago. He lamented how the bribery charges federal prosecutors hit him with in September — which a judge dismissed Wednesday — “handcuffed” him, and he promised to be “uninhibited” on the campaign trail.
“I have been this racehorse that has been held back,” he added. “This is so unnatural for me.”…