Initially, it seemed New York City Mayor Eric Adams might escape consequences. However, growing concerns about his ability to govern have led Governor Kathy Hochul to consider the unprecedented step of removing him from office.
On February 10th, the Justice Department dropped corruption charges against Adams, citing undue restrictions on his ability to implement President Trump’s immigration policies. This decision followed resignations from high-ranking Justice Department officials and the city’s four deputy mayors.
Now, increasing numbers of Democratic politicians are urging Adams to resign or for Hochul to remove him. Here’s how that could happen and the potential consequences.
How could Adams be removed from office?
State law and the City Charter grant the governor the authority to remove the mayor. Hochul could remove Adams after providing him with the charges and a hearing.
This would involve a suspension of up to 30 days, during which Adams could present his defense. Afterward, the governor could reinstate him or permanently remove him.
The process is largely uncharted territory, as Adams is the first New York City mayor to face criminal charges in office. If removed, he would be the first to be dismissed; previous mayors, Jimmy Walker and William O’Dwyer, resigned.
Following the Justice Department’s decision, Hochul and her office reviewed their authority to remove the mayor, before initially opting against it in October. However, on February 17th, she indicated a potential shift in approach.
Alternatively, the City Charter outlines an “Inability Committee” – composed of the corporation counsel, comptroller, City Council speaker, a designated deputy mayor, and the longest-serving borough president. This committee could vote on the mayor’s temporary or permanent inability to perform his duties.
If four of five members deem the mayor incapacitated, the 51-member City Council has 21 days to vote on removal, requiring a two-thirds majority. The mayor can remain in office if, within 48 hours of the committee’s declaration, he asserts his ability to perform his duties.
The “Inability Committee” provision was created in 1987 following Mayor Ed Koch’s stroke. However, after Adams’ indictment last September, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams expressed doubt about its applicability in this case, suggesting it applies to physical incapacitation.
Who would replace Adams?
If Adams is removed or resigns, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, next in the line of succession, would become acting mayor. Williams has already indicated his readiness for this eventuality.
The office would be officially vacant, requiring Williams to call a special election within 80 days to elect a new mayor for the remainder of Adams’ term, which ends this year. This would not affect the November mayoral election.
Several individuals have already announced mayoral bids to challenge Adams in the June 24th Democratic primary: New York City comptroller Brad Lander; state senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie; state assembly member Zohran Mamdani; former comptroller Scott Stringer; Michael Blake; lawyer Jim Walden; and investor Whitney Tilson. Speculation also surrounds a potential candidacy from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, following former state comptroller Carl McCall’s February 15th endorsement. Cuomo acknowledged McCall’s support but had not announced a bid as of February 18th.