Hochul Raises Concerns over Adams' Administration, Considers Removal
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed serious doubts about the viability of Mayor Eric Adams' administration and is exploring options for his potential removal. Hochul has summoned key leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, to discuss a path forward following the resignation of four top deputies and calls for the mayor's resignation.
The crisis has escalated after allegations of a "quid pro quo" between Adams and the Trump administration. Hochul, a fellow Democrat, has labeled these allegations "extremely concerning." She has acknowledged the "immense responsibility" of her office and the constitutional authority to remove an elected mayor, a step that has never been taken in New York State's history.
Hochul will hold in-person and remote meetings with leaders who are part of an "inability committee" that can declare the mayor incapable of serving. The committee includes Richards, Adams, and Comptroller Brad Lander.
Adams' position has weakened since a high-ranking Trump administration official directed prosecutors to drop a bribery case against him. While the Department of Justice has left open the possibility of re-filing, concerns remain that Adams is beholden to the former Republican president, who holds low approval ratings among city Democrats.
"This administration can no longer effectively govern with Eric Adams as mayor," stated City Council Speaker Adams, no relation to the mayor. She has attributed the chaos surrounding City Hall to the mayor's actions.
The Justice Department and Adams' attorney have denied any quid pro quo. Adams has maintained his innocence and asserted his commitment to serving the city. However, a hearing on a motion to dismiss the corruption case is scheduled for Wednesday in Manhattan federal court. Former U.S. Attorneys have urged the judge to investigate the government's motives for dropping the mayor's case.
Adams' administration has faced significant setbacks, including the departure of four deputy mayors amid the DOJ controversy. This follows other resignations in recent months, raising questions about Adams' ability to lead New York City.
"The extraordinary events of the last few weeks have led us to the difficult decision to step down from our roles," stated former first deputy mayor Maria Torres-Springer and former deputy mayors Anne Williams-Iso and Meera Joshi. Deputy Mayor Chauncey Parker also announced his resignation.
In light of the resignations, Comptroller Lander has requested a "detailed contingency plan" from Adams or he faces potential removal by the inability committee. Lander has warned that the departures have created a "leadership vacuum at the highest levels of city government."
If Adams were to be removed, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would assume the mayoralty and call for a special election. The four deputy mayors oversaw key aspects of the city's government, and their resignations have raised concerns about stability.
Former interim Manhattan US Attorney Danielle Sassoon has suggested that Adams' lawyer offered a "quid pro quo" in exchange for the dismissal of charges. Sassoon resigned rather than drop the charges.
The resignations have been met with concern by political analysts. "What is most troubling for me is the quality of the individuals leaving public service," said Lupe Todd-Medina, president of Effective Media Strategies. She emphasized the loss of decades of knowledge and experience to the city.