Topline
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to stay in office following his federal corruption indictment Thursday, but there are mechanisms for forcibly removing him if he continues to resist calls for his resignation and there is a political will to do so.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams talks to the press outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of … [+]
Key Facts
Adams said Thursday after he was hit with federal bribery and fraud charges that he would “continue to do the job that I was elected to do” and his “day-to-day will not change.”
If he were to resign or be removed against his will, the city’s progressive Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, is next in the line of succession, followed by comptroller Brad Lander.
There are two ways Adams could be ejected from office: Gov. Kathy Hochul has the authority to remove him or an “inability committee” made up of the city’s corporation counsel, comptroller, council speaker, a deputy mayor chosen by Adams and the longest serving borough president could vote to remove him.
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Chief Critics
Several of Adams’ likely opponents in the June 2025 Democratic mayoral primary have issued statements calling on him to resign. Lander said “the most appropriate path forward is for him to step down,” citing the “significant amount of time and attention” Adams will need to defend himself. Former comptroller Scott Stringer said Adams’ indictment means the city is “left with a broken down trainwreck of a municipal government” and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie said New Yorkers “need a leader who is fully focused, without distraction, on the enormous challenges we face.”
What To Watch For
If Adams were ejected or left office voluntarily, the acting mayor would have three days to schedule a nonpartisan special election to take place within 80 days. New Yorkers would then elect a new mayor via ranked-choice voting, selecting in order their preference for up to five candidates until one receives a majority of votes. The new mayor selected in the special election would assume office immediately after the election and serve out the remainder of Adams’ term, but would also have the option of running in the June primary. If Adams left office within 90 days of the June primary, his replacement (Williams or Lander) would serve until the next mayor was elected in November. Rather than taking office in January, the person elected in November would take office immediately.
What We Don’t Know
Hochul’s stance on the indictment or the possibility she might remove Adams. She told reporters Thursday she hasn’t decided whether Adams still has her confidence and will give more detailed comments on the indictment later in the day.
Surprising Fact
Adams is the first New York City mayor to face criminal charges. Only two others—Jimmy Walker in 1932 and William O’Dwyer in 1950—have resigned.
Key Background
Adams, 64, was charged with receiving illegal campaign contributions from the Turkish government for his 2021 mayoral campaign and during his time as Brooklyn borough president. Adams allegedly accepted illegal straw donations (those made under someone else’s identity) including from Turkish nationals, and used them to receive nearly $10 million in public funds through the city’s matching funds program. Prosecutors say he also accepted more than $100,000 in luxury travel benefits for himself and his associates dating back to 2016 from foreign nationals, including at least one Turkish official. In return, Adams allegedly helped the Turkish government open a new consulate building that was not up to code. Adams is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals, wire fraud, two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national and bribery. If convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison.
Crucial Quote
“I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments,” Adams told reporters in a press conference Thursday, surrounded by Black community leaders and clergy.
Further Reading
Eric Adams Charged With Bribery And Fraud Over Alleged Campaign Donations From Turkey (Forbes)
