New York City Mayor Eric Adams has recently faced political turmoil amid a federal investigation, raising questions about what would happen if he were removed from office.
While Adams has not been formally charged with any crime, the ongoing probe has sparked discussions about the city’s line of succession and the process of replacing a sitting mayor.
Why Is Eric Adams Under Scrutiny?
Eric Adams, who was elected as New York City’s mayor in 2021, has been at the center of a Justice Department investigation involving alleged campaign finance violations.
Reports suggest that federal authorities were looking into whether Adams’ campaign improperly received donations linked to foreign entities. Though the bribery case against him was recently dropped, scrutiny remains over other aspects of his administration.
In addition to the federal probe, Adams’ administration has been criticized for its handling of key city issues, including rising crime, the migrant crisis, and budget cuts. Some political opponents and activists have called for his resignation or removal, citing ethical concerns and dissatisfaction with his leadership.
The Line of Succession in NYC
If Eric Adams were to resign, be removed from office, or become unable to perform his duties, the New York City Charter outlines a clear process for succession. The first person in line to take over the role of mayor is the city’s Public Advocate, a position currently held by Jumaane Williams.
Williams, a progressive Democrat, would become acting mayor until a special election is held to elect a new leader. However, as acting mayor, he would have limited powers compared to an elected mayor, primarily serving as a caretaker rather than implementing significant policy changes.
The Special Election Process
Under NYC law, if the mayor’s office becomes vacant, a special election must be held within 60 days to elect a permanent replacement. This means that if Adams were removed, the city would enter a rapid election cycle, with multiple candidates likely vying for the position.
Potential contenders for the special election could include:
- Jumaane Williams (if he decides to run after serving as acting mayor)
- Brad Lander, the current NYC Comptroller and a vocal critic of Adams
- Kathryn Garcia, a former NYC sanitation commissioner who ran against Adams in 2021
- Andrew Yang, a former presidential candidate who also ran for NYC mayor in 2021
Given the high stakes of a mayoral transition, a sudden vacancy could result in political chaos as candidates scramble to secure support from voters and party leaders.
Can the Governor Remove the Mayor?
In rare circumstances, the Governor of New York has the power to remove a sitting mayor. Governor Kathy Hochul could technically intervene if Adams were found guilty of misconduct or corruption, but this would require a formal hearing and a legal process outlined in the state constitution.
Historically, such removals have been extremely rare, as the preference is for the city’s own mechanisms (such as elections or recalls) to determine a mayor’s fate.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Eric Adams remains in office and has denied any wrongdoing. His administration has dismissed calls for his resignation, emphasizing that he intends to serve his full term. However, with an ongoing federal probe and growing political pressure, the situation remains fluid.
New Yorkers will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds. Whether Adams stays in power or is forced out, one thing is certain: the leadership of America’s largest city is at a crossroads, and the next few months could shape the future of New York City’s government for years to come.
