New York City Mayor Eric Adams remains resolute in his decision to stay in office despite mounting political pressure and controversy. However, his fate may not be entirely in his own hands. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has hinted at the possibility of removing Adams from his position, an action that would be unprecedented in the city’s history.
Hochul’s Authority to Remove the Mayor
As the city grapples with the unfolding crisis, Governor Hochul has confirmed that she is consulting with key figures, including Rev. Al Sharpton, to determine the best course of action for New York City’s future. In a statement on Monday, Hochul acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, noting that reversing the decision of the voters is not something to be taken lightly. However, she also emphasized that the recent allegations and resignations within Adams’ administration have raised grave concerns about the stability of his leadership.
Adams’ Administration in Crisis
The controversy surrounding Mayor Adams stems from a series of allegations, including bribery, fraud, and illegal foreign campaign contributions, which led to his indictment in September. However, in a surprising turn of events last week, the Justice Department opted to drop the charges. The decision, allegedly influenced at the highest levels of the Trump White House, has triggered significant backlash, particularly within the Southern District of New York (SDNY), where several resignations followed.
Among those who stepped down was Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who accused Adams’ office of engaging in a quid pro quo arrangement with the Trump administration to secure the dismissal of charges in exchange for supporting stricter immigration policies.
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The fallout continued this week, with four senior city officials resigning, including Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker. Additionally, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams publicly called on the mayor to step down.
What Happens If Adams Is Removed?
If Adams were to leave office, either voluntarily or through forced removal, the city has a clear line of succession outlined in its charter. The first in line to replace him is Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who has held the position since 2019. If Williams were unable to serve, the responsibility would fall to Comptroller Brad Lander, a candidate already campaigning to challenge Adams in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Given that this is an election year, the process of replacing the mayor becomes more complicated. If Adams were removed before March 26, Williams would be required to call a special election to fill the vacancy, with candidates needing at least 3,750 petition signatures to appear on the ballot. The election, which would take place within 80 days, would be nonpartisan and decided through ranked-choice voting.
However, if Adams remains in office past March 26 and is later removed, Williams would serve as interim mayor until the general election on November 4. In this scenario, the election winner would assume office shortly after Election Day instead of waiting until January 1, when the new term officially begins.
Another Possible Path to Removal
Beyond Hochul’s authority, a lesser-known provision in the city charter allows for the mayor’s removal through a committee process similar to the 25th Amendment. The “Inability Committee,” consisting of five top city officials, could recommend removal to the City Council, which would then require a two-thirds majority vote to oust Adams. However, this method is traditionally used for health-related incapacitation rather than legal or political controversies.
Mayoral Resignations in NYC History
If Adams were to resign, he would be following in the footsteps of former mayors Jimmy Walker (1932) and William O’Dwyer (1950), both of whom stepped down amid scandal. However, Adams would be the first New York City mayor to face criminal charges while in office and, if removed, the first to be forcibly ousted.
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Potential Candidates for Mayor
With Adams’ future in doubt, the race for the Democratic mayoral nomination has become increasingly competitive. Candidates who have already declared their campaigns include State Senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, nonprofit leader Michael Blake, attorney Jim Walden, and investor Whitney Tilson.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has also been the subject of speculation regarding a potential run. While he has yet to announce his candidacy officially, polling suggests he is a frontrunner, with strong support among Democratic voters.
What’s Next?
As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on Governor Hochul and her next move. Whether through a forced removal, a resignation, or a competitive election, Mayor Eric Adams’ future remains uncertain. New Yorkers can expect further developments in the coming weeks as political leaders navigate this unprecedented crisis.
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