Mayor Eric Adams Faces Calls to Resign Amid Indictment Charges
Mayor Eric Adams found himself embroiled in controversy as he joined New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Banks to announce the appointment of new superintendents at Tweed Courthouse on Monday, June 27, 2022. The event, meant to highlight progress in education leadership, was overshadowed by the looming indictment charges against Mayor Adams.
Even before the news of his indictment in a federal corruption investigation broke, elected officials had been calling for Mayor Adams to step down. However, as the details of the charges surfaced on Wednesday night, a wave of opponents and left-leaning Democrats added their voices to the growing chorus demanding Adams’ resignation. Notably, several high-profile Democrats remained silent on the matter, leaving the political landscape in New York City in turmoil.
Adams, who vehemently denied the charges and vowed to fight them, claimed that he was being targeted for his criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis. Despite his defiance, the pressure for him to resign mounted as key members of his administration began to resign or announce their exits in light of ongoing investigations into City Hall’s inner circle.
Political Response to Mayor Adams’ Indictment
Governor Kathy Hochul’s spokesperson, Avi Small, acknowledged the concerning reports surrounding Mayor Adams and stated that the governor was monitoring the situation before making any further comments. The power to oust Adams rests with Governor Hochul, raising speculation about the potential outcomes of the unfolding scandal.
Notable federal New York elected Democrats, including House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries and U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, refrained from making public statements on the matter, leaving a void in the response from top-tier political figures. Similarly, State Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie remained mum on the issue, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Mayor Adams’ future.
The majority of lawmakers calling for Adams’ resignation hailed from progressive Democratic circles at the city, state, and national levels. City Comptroller Brad Lander, a mayoral candidate for 2025, was quick to demand Adams’ resignation, emphasizing the need for New York City to have leadership that commands full attention and credibility.
Demands for Resignation and Political Fallout
As news of Adams’ indictment spread, a growing number of opponents planning to challenge him in the Democratic primary next spring echoed the calls for his resignation. Former comptroller Scott Stringer, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani were among those who swiftly demanded Adams step down, citing the need for a new era of leadership in the city.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emerged as a prominent voice in the push for Adams’ resignation, becoming the first member of New York’s congressional delegation to call for his stepping down. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of government functionality and the challenges posed by ongoing investigations, urging Adams to resign for the greater good of the city.
State representatives and senators, including Gustavo Rivera, Jabari Brisport, Julia Salazar, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and John Liu, joined the chorus demanding Adams’ resignation. State Assembly members such as Emily Gallagher, Karines Reyes, Danny O’Donnell, and Robert Carroll also called for decisive action in light of the indictment charges. City Council members from various boroughs, including Alexa Avilés, Tiffany Cabán, Chi Ossé, and Lincoln Restler, added their voices to the growing calls for Adams to step down.
In a surprising turn, Councilmember Robert Holden, known for his right-leaning views, also joined the coalition of lawmakers seeking Adams’ resignation, showcasing the bipartisan nature of the demand for accountability in city leadership. As political tensions rise and the pressure mounts on Mayor Adams, the future of New York City’s governance hangs in the balance.
