New York City Mayor Eric Adams Under Fire, Faces Federal Charges
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly said he is not going anywhere and has no plans to resign, despite mounting investigations, and Wednesday night, news that he is expected to face federal charges by prosecutors out of the Southern District of New York as soon as Thursday, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
Adams has maintained his innocence and has vowed to continue fighting the charges. Speaking at a media availability, he said, “We’re going to continue to fight on behalf of New Yorkers… I’m stepping up, not stepping down. I have a city to run that I will continue to run.”
What Happens Next?
Should Adams Resign or Be Suspended?
Should Adams resign or be suspended from office by the governor, a vacancy would need to be filled. According to the New York City charter, the city’s public advocate would become the acting mayor and serve in a temporary capacity.
If the public advocate is unable to serve, the city’s comptroller would assume the position of acting mayor.
Who Becomes Acting Mayor?
Public Advocate
New York City’s current public advocate is Jumaane Williams, who would assume the position of acting mayor if Adams were to step aside or be suspended from office. Williams has served as public advocate since winning a special election in 2019 and previously served as a city councilman.
Comptroller
If Williams is unable to serve, the city’s comptroller, Brad Lander, would become the acting mayor. Lander has served as comptroller since being elected in 2021 and previously spent 12 years in the city council. He is also planning to run for mayor in 2025.
Lander’s Plans
Prior to his election as comptroller, Lander gained experience in the city council, serving for 12 years. He has publicly announced his plans to run for mayor in 2025, should Adams indeed resign or be suspended from office.
Who Will Lead the City if Adams Leaves Office?
If either the public advocate or the comptroller assumes the acting mayor position, they will serve in a temporary capacity until a new mayor can be elected or appointed by the city council.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Eric Adams’ federal charges will continue to unfold in the coming days. As the developments take place, it will be crucial to monitor whether Adams will resign or fight the charges, and the subsequent steps that will follow if he leaves office.
FAQs
1. What happens if the public advocate is unable to serve as acting mayor?
According to the New York City charter, the comptroller would assume the position of acting mayor if the public advocate is unable to serve.
2. Who is expected to become acting mayor?
The city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, is expected to become the acting mayor if Eric Adams resigns or is suspended from office. If Williams is unable to serve, the comptroller, Brad Lander, would become the acting mayor.
3. Does the comptroller have prior experience in city government?
Brad Lander has a long history of serving in city government, having previously spent 12 years as a city councilman.
4. Will the acting mayor play a significant role in decision-making?
As acting mayor, the public advocate or comptroller would serve in a temporary capacity, acting as a placeholder until a new mayor can be elected or appointed. They may not have the same authority as the regular mayor.
