Just one day before the filing deadline for New York City’s mayoral race, a federal judge dismissed the long-standing corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams — a decision that could reshape the 2025 campaign. While Adams called the ruling a vindication, political observers say the damage may already be done.

The federal bribery case, which had loomed over Adams for months, was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. Adams, who has always maintained his innocence, hailed the decision as overdue and politically motivated.

“I’m now happy that our city can finally close the book on this and focus solely on the future of our great city,” Adams said in a statement. He has repeatedly claimed the case was retaliation by the Biden administration for his criticism of federal immigration policy and its impact on New York City’s migrant crisis.

Although the judge emphasized that the court never determined Adams’ guilt or innocence, even some of his political rivals supported the ruling.

City Comptroller Brad Lander applauded the judge’s decision: “A dismissal with prejudice is far superior to one without. It at least removes the mayor from being left dangling every day.”

Still, others signaled that Adams’ legal troubles may be over, but his political reckoning is not.

“This is the right move by Judge Ho,” said State Sen. Zellnor Myrie. “But no court decision will make New Yorkers forget that when push came to shove, Eric Adams put his own needs above the city.”

Former Comptroller Scott Stringer noted that Adams now faces a new test: “If he plans to run in the Democratic primary, he has an obligation to join the rest of the candidates on the campaign trail and start facing tough questions — and I hope he can drag Andrew Cuomo out of the shadows with him.”

State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who has gained momentum in recent polling, was blunt in his criticism. “Adams has sold out New Yorkers and put himself above the public at every turn,” he said, suggesting the case’s dismissal smelled of “a quid pro quo with the Trump administration.”

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams acknowledged the emotional toll the case had on the city. “It has caused trauma and embarrassment for New Yorkers. The mayor will have to earn back trust and fix that,” she said.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos echoed the sentiment, saying, “I hope this means Mayor Adams will now focus the remainder of his term on representing New Yorkers — not pandering to Trump.”

As the campaign season officially begins, the question now is whether Adams can put the scandal behind him — or whether it will follow him all the way to the ballot box.