With NSW elections slated for March 2027, Chris Minns said he didn't expect to be around to contest another term beyond 2031.
"Well, I won't be here - at least in this role," he told reporters in a bombshell admission on Monday.
It came towards the end of a routine press conference where he announced tunnelling on Sydney's massive metro projects, connecting 128km across the metropolis, would be complete in 2032.
"But look, as a citizen, I genuinely hope that we can make a massive impact in housing affordability for young people," he said.
Pressed further, he said: "I don't know what the future holds. I might get beat in 2027."
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane pounced on the premier's comments, saying he had given up on the state.
"It's now clear why the Minns Labor government has no long-term vision or plan for future infrastructure, like new metros, because Chris Minns won't be in the job for much longer," she said on Monday.
"The question voters deserve answered is which member of Minns' incompetent team will lead Labor when he pulls the pin?"
Mr Minns also trumpeted his steadfast pro-police stance.
"We know there's going to be wars (and) conflicts around the world but it can't affect public life and community life here in Sydney - police have a big role to play in that," he said.
It comes after he refused to condemn violent police actions at a pro-Palestine demonstration in February.
NSW police were filmed using pepper spray, punching protesters and breaking up a group of Muslim men praying on the street.
A watchdog has launched an independent investigation into the police conduct.
