June 26 (UPI) -- 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.

New York Mayor Eric Adams is kicking off his independent reelection bid. He says Thursday at City Hall that the race is a choice between a blue-collar candidate and one with a silver spoon, referring to likely Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Just a few months ago, it appeared unlikely that Mayor Eric Adams of New York, who was facing federal corruption charges, would be in a position to seek a second term.