New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering an unprecedented move to remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office following the resignation of four of his top aides on Monday. The abrupt departures have intensified scrutiny over Adams’ administration, already entangled in legal and political controversies.
Hochul announced she would meet with Manhattan leaders on Tuesday to discuss “the path forward,” noting that the resignations raise “serious questions about the long-term future” of Adams’ leadership. The crisis deepened after the Justice Department dropped corruption charges against Adams earlier this month, citing concerns that the case was interfering with the Biden administration’s agenda on immigration. However, the charges were dismissed “without prejudice,” meaning they could be revived at any time—a development that has fueled speculation over the federal government’s leverage on the mayor.
Wave of Resignations Shakes City Hall
On Monday, First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and Deputy Mayors Meera Joshi, Anne Williams-Isom, and Chauncey Parker stepped down, following growing calls for Adams to either resign or be removed. Their exit comes just days after U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and five senior Justice Department officials also resigned, reportedly due to disputes over dropping the case against Adams.
In a statement to NBC New York, the mayor’s office praised the departing aides as “extraordinary public servants” and highlighted their contributions, including record housing development, job creation, and public safety improvements. Reports indicate Adams attempted to convince them to stay via a Zoom call over the weekend, but they ultimately followed through with their resignations.
Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, speaking on behalf of the departing officials, said in a joint statement: “Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families, we have come to the difficult decision to step down from our roles.”
Political Fallout and Calls for Adams’ Resignation
The growing crisis has led to increasing calls for Adams’ resignation from within his own party. New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have both urged Adams to step down, with Ocasio-Cortez stating: “If Adams won’t resign, he must be removed.”
While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stopped short of demanding Adams’ resignation, he voiced “serious concerns” about the mayor’s future.
Governor Hochul, a fellow Democrat, has the authority to remove Adams but has been cautious about invoking this rarely used power. “In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor,” Hochul said. “That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored.”
If Adams were to be removed or resign, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would step in as acting mayor until a special election is held within 80 days to determine a replacement for the remainder of Adams’ term, which runs through December 31. The regularly scheduled mayoral election in November would proceed as planned.
Former Governor Cuomo Floated as Successor
In a surprising twist, former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo as a potential successor to Adams. In an open letter, McCall wrote, “The people of New York cannot be represented by someone whose loyalty to the city is compromised—we deserve a Mayor of New York to be for New York.”
Cuomo responded warmly, stating that he and McCall share a “special bond” and emphasizing the need for “moral clarity and leadership” in the city’s government.
Adams Defends His Leadership
Despite mounting pressure, Adams remains defiant. In a statement on February 14, he denied any improper dealings with the Biden administration or the Justice Department over his corruption case.
“I want to be crystal clear with New Yorkers: I never offered—nor did anyone offer on my behalf—any trade of my authority as your mayor for an end to my case. Never,” Adams stated.
As tensions continue to rise, the future of Adams’ administration—and New York City’s leadership—remains uncertain.
