Who Is Calling For Eric Adams to Resign or Be Removed
The calls for Mayor Eric Adams to step down or be removed from office have grown this week as the Justice Department works to drop his criminal case on public corruption charges. Multiple federal prosecutors have resigned in protest of what they said was a politically-motivated decision.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Stance
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove the mayor under the state constitution, has been under increasing pressure to act. In an interview on MSNBC, she initially seemed cool to the idea, saying it "does not feel like something that’s very democratic." However, by Thursday evening, she appeared more open to the idea, stating, "The allegations are extremely concerning and serious… You got to have one sane person in this state who can cut through all the crap and say, ‘What does my responsibility guide me to do?’"
Growing Calls for Adams to Resign or Be Removed
On Friday, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who appears to be gearing up to launch a primary challenge to Hochul, added his voice to the chorus of calls for Adams to resign, tweeting that "New York City deserves a Mayor accountable to the people, not beholden to the President." State Senators John Liu (D-Queens) and Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) have also called for the mayor to step down or be removed.
Public Advocate’s View
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, the next in line to succeed the mayor, has also joined the calls for Adams to resign. In an interview on PIX, he stated, "He cannot be the mayor of this city and govern this city the way it needs to be governed."
Federal Prosecutors’ Resignations
The calls for Adams to step aside or be removed have grown since he was criminally charged at the end of September. Multiple federal prosecutors have resigned in protest of the Justice Department’s decision to drop the charges against him. While the department claims the case could be refiled after the election, many see the decision as a political move to help the mayor implement President Trump’s push to deport more undocumented immigrants.
Removing the Mayor
There are two options for removing a mayor: either the governor could fire him following a formal hearing, or a group of key city officials could form an "inability committee" and begin a City Council proceeding to vote him out. No mayor has ever been removed from office through either process.
Conclusion
The calls for Mayor Eric Adams to resign or be removed have grown, with multiple officials and candidates joining the chorus. While Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove the mayor, she has yet to take action. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Adams will step down or face removal from office.
FAQs
- What is the process for removing a mayor in New York City?
- The process involves either the governor firing the mayor following a formal hearing or a group of key city officials forming an "inability committee" and beginning a City Council proceeding to vote the mayor out.
- Who has the power to remove the mayor?
- The governor has the power to remove the mayor under the state constitution.
- What is the current status of the Justice Department’s case against Mayor Eric Adams?
- The Justice Department is working to drop the case against the mayor, with multiple federal prosecutors resigning in protest of the decision.
- Who has called for Mayor Eric Adams to resign or be removed?
- A growing list of officials and candidates, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, State Senators John Liu and Michael Gianaris, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and multiple mayoral candidates.
