New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Feb. 20 she will not remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office, after meeting with elected officials and others in the city.
“After careful consideration, I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time,” Hochul said during a press conference.
“My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections preclude me from any other action.”
Hochul had announced on Feb. 17 that she spoke with one of four New York City deputy mayors who are resigning and that the resignations raised “serious questions about the long-term future of this Mayoral administration.”
New York’s Constitution gives the governor the ability to remove the mayor of New York City, although that power has never been used.
“Overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly. That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored. Tomorrow, I have asked key leaders to meet me at my Manhattan office for a conversation about the path forward, with the goal of ensuring stability for the City of New York,” Hochul said at the time.
Both Hochul and Adams are Democrats. Adams is running for a second term. New York City’s mayoral election is in November.
Adams was charged in 2024 with violations of federal law, including accepting illegal campaign contributions. The U.S. Department of Justice has requested a judge dismiss the charges. Adams told the judge during a hearing on Thursday that he is innocent.
On Thursday, Hochul said she was opting against removing Adams from office but was still concerned about possible deals between Adams and the Trump administration and would propose legislation that would strengthen oversight of the mayor’s office.
Adams has been accused of agreeing to help the federal government tackle illegal immigration in return for the charges against him being dismissed. Adams, his attorneys, and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove have disputed the allegation.
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