The Mayor, Indictment, and What Comes Next for New York
New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces federal charges in an unprecedented moment for the city. As the first sitting New York mayor to be criminally indicted, the implications of this development are significant, sparking widespread calls for his resignation.
Adams, denying any wrongdoing, remains steadfast in his refusal to step down, asserting, “If I am charged, I am innocent, and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” Despite his assurances, the mounting legal issues and political pressure are casting a long shadow over his administration.
The investigation against Adams has been in motion for months, with federal authorities scrutinizing his campaign finances and alleged ties to foreign governments, including Turkey and Qatar. The focus centers on whether Adams accepted improper donations and whether these donations influenced city contracts or services. The probe escalated with a raid on Adams' chief fundraiser and the confiscation of the mayor’s phone—twice within a year. Allegations have swirled around whether campaign contributions were tied to efforts to pressure the FDNY into approving the opening of a Turkish consulate despite safety concerns.
The breadth of the investigation stretches beyond Adams himself, touching on multiple senior officials in his administration. Deputy Mayor Philip Banks, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban have all been subjected to raids, subpoenas, and scrutiny. The widespread nature of the investigation, coupled with ongoing subpoenas and revelations, paints a picture of an administration in crisis.
Hochul's Dilemma: The Pressure Mounts
Governor Kathy Hochul is now at the center of this unfolding drama. As the only official with the authority to remove Adams from office, Hochul faces a high-stakes decision. While her spokesperson has indicated she is monitoring the situation, Hochul has yet to take any concrete action. But the clock is ticking. The federal indictment, expected to be unsealed soon, could reveal the extent of Adams' alleged wrongdoing—and Hochul’s response will be critical.
Hochul’s reluctance to act so far may stem from her own political vulnerabilities. With a re-election bid looming, Hochul faces challenges from within her party, and the Adams scandal adds fuel to the fire. Removing a sitting mayor could have far-reaching political repercussions, potentially alienating Adams' supporters and leaving Hochul open to criticism from various factions. But if the charges are damning, Hochul cannot afford to appear complacent.
With Democratic primary challengers waiting in the wings, Hochul risks becoming a target if she allows Adams to remain in office amid serious corruption charges. High-profile Democrats, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have already called for Adams to step down, citing his inability to govern while under federal investigation. Ocasio-Cortez was blunt, stating, “I cannot see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City…for the good of the city, he should resign.”
Democrats Demand a Change
Adams faces increasing pressure from within his own party to resign. Figures like former mayoral candidate Andrew Yang and City Comptroller Brad Lander have publicly called for his departure. Yang, who faced off against Adams in the 2021 mayoral race, didn’t mince words: “It’s painful to be proven right,” he said, referring to Adams’ multiple corruption probes during their campaign debates. Yang believes the city needs fresh leadership to move forward.
Lander, a rival for the 2025 mayoral race, echoed this sentiment, calling it “a sad day for New Yorkers” and stressing that trust in city leadership has been shattered. Lander has emerged as a vocal critic of Adams, and with the 2025 election approaching, he is positioning himself as a strong contender for the mayoralty.
Several Democratic state senators and city council members have joined the chorus, urging Adams to step aside to prevent further harm to the city’s governance. Among them are Senators John Liu, Julia Salazar, and Gustavo Rivera, who argue that Adams’ legal troubles are too severe to allow him to continue leading. Council members like Lincoln Restler have gone so far as to call for Adams' removal if he refuses to resign.
What’s Next for New York?
If Adams were to step down, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor, setting the stage for a special election. But timing is everything. Should Adams resign too close to the June 2025 primaries, the special election would be bypassed, leaving Williams—or Comptroller Brad Lander, if Williams cannot serve—as the de facto mayor until a new one is elected in November.
For now, New Yorkers face a waiting game as the full details of Adams’ indictment are set to be revealed. Hochul must weigh her options carefully, but the pressure is mounting, and time is running out for Adams to prove his innocence—or step aside.