In New York City, a mayor can serve a maximum of two consecutive four‑year terms , for a total of 8 years in a row, but can run again after sitting out for at least one term.

Basic term length

Each term for the Mayor of New York City is four years.

Mayors are elected in November of mayoral election years (most recently 2021, next in 2025) and take office on January 1 of the following year.

Term limits (how many times)

Under current New York City law:

  • A mayor can be elected to two consecutive four‑year terms (8 years total).
  • After that, they must leave office and cannot run for a third consecutive term.
  • However, after sitting out for at least one full term (four years) , they can run again and, if elected, serve up to two more consecutive terms.

So the pattern looks like this:

  1. Serve 2 terms (8 years) → must leave office
  2. Wait at least 4 years → can run again
  3. If elected, serve up to 2 more terms (another 8 years)

How the current rule came about

  • In 1993 , NYC voters approved a charter change limiting the mayor (and other citywide and council offices) to two consecutive four‑year terms.
  • In 2008 , the City Council passed a change allowing three consecutive terms (12 years), which let then‑Mayor Michael Bloomberg run for a third term.
  • In 2010 , voters approved a referendum that reverted the limit back to two consecutive terms , which is still in effect today.

Recent examples

  • Michael Bloomberg served three terms (2002–2013) under the three‑term rule, but that rule no longer exists.
  • Bill de Blasio served two terms (2014–2021) and then left office because he could not run for a third consecutive term.
  • Eric Adams was elected in 2021 and re‑elected in 2025; he can serve until 2029, but cannot run for a third consecutive term in 2029.

Bottom line

  • Term length: 4 years per term.
  • Maximum in a row: 2 consecutive terms (8 years).
  • Can return later: Yes, after a 4‑year break, for up to two more consecutive terms.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.