With New York City Mayor Eric Adams reportedly being indicted by a grand jury following a federal corruption investigation, the future of the city’s leadership is uncertain.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday night that Adams, elected in 2022, was facing a criminal indictment. Adams has said that he is innocent of any charges, and has requested a trial so that “New Yorkers can see the truth.”
Adams, a Democrat, has ruled out resigning as mayor despite pressure from big names in New York politics, including members of his own party.
The exact nature of the charges remains unclear, as the indictment remains sealed. Further details are expected on Thursday.
Can you still be New York mayor if you’re under arrest?
Adams would be the sitting first mayor in New York City history to be criminally indicted, so the procedure following an arrest would be unprecedented.
While the New York City Charter does address the removal of the mayor and the succession following their absence, there is no legal restriction on the mayor being under arrest or being convicted of a crime.
If Adams were to resign due to political pressure, public advocate Jumaane Williams would become the acting mayor. The Charter states that after three days, Williams would be obligated to call an election to replace Adams.
Mayor Eric Adams arrives for a press conference at 1 Police Plaza on April 18, 2023 in New York City.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty
Can Eric Adams be impeached?
The governor of New York, currently Democrat Kathleen Hochul, has the ability to remove the Mayor of New York City from office.
The New York City Charter reads: “The mayor may be removed from office by the governor upon charges and after service upon him of a copy of the charges and an opportunity to be heard in his defense.
“Pending the preparation and disposition of charges, the governor may suspend the mayor for a period not exceeding thirty days.”
Governor Hochul has not yet commented on the situation.
The mayor can also voluntarily declare themselves temporarily unable to use the powers of the office, in place of an acting mayor. Adams has ruled this option and his resignation out.
However, political pressure on Adams is continuing to mount. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents the city via the 14th District in the House of Representatives, said on social media: “For the good of the city, he should resign.”
In a statement shown to Newsweek by Adams’ office, he said: “I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. If I’m charged, I know I am innocent. I put the people of New York before party and politics.”
Who is running next mayoral election?
With the next mayoral election happening in 2025, several candidates have already announced their candidacies. Adams had previously announced his intention to run for re-election prior to this week’s reports, and has not made any indication that he has changed his mind.
Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, has also announced his intention to run in the Democratic primary, as has Jessica Ramos, a state senator from the 13th district.
Republican Curtis Sliwa, who was the party’s nominee in the 2022 election, has also expressed his intention to rerun for mayor. Joe Borelli, minority leader of the New York City Council, is reportedly interested in the Republican nomination.
Has an NYC Mayor been arrested before?
A sitting New York City Mayor has never been arrested or criminally indicted before.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio was previously investigated for corruption during his 2013 campaign, amid allegations that he gave donors preferential treatment, but no charges were ever brought forward.
Similarly, Mike Bloomberg was investigated in 2010 over large donations totaling $1.2 million to the Independence Party; money that was later given to Republican politicians. Bloomberg did not face any criminal indictments.
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