NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams is opting out of New York City’s Democratic primary and running for reelection as an independent — embarking on narrow path as he further isolates himself from the city’s dominant political party.

Adams announced his decision to run for reelection as an independent following intense speculation in the wake of his recently dismissed criminal case: 'I have to be realistic.'

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Thursday that he would run for reelection as an independent, not as a Democrat as he did in his first, successful mayoral bid.