| Adams has held first place since the June 22 primary, but his lead narrowed considerably as ranked-choice ballots were analyzed, eliminating less-popular candidates and distributing their votes to higher-finishing alternatives. The projection by the Associated Press came after more absentee ballots were counted. The second-place finisher was former sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia. Adams is heavily favored to win the November general election against Republican Curtis Sliwa because of New York City's strongly Democratic voting base. He would be the city's second Black mayor. | 
