On September 26, 2024, the Southern District indicted New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams. The charges against him are severe, involving the solicitation and acceptance of illegal campaign contributions and improper benefits, including international travel, wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy. The 57-page indictment extensively details Adams’ connections to Turkey.
Adams is also under at least three other federal corruption investigations. This might not be the last indictment for him or his close associates, such as former fundraiser Brianna Suggs and director of Asian affairs Winnie Greco. The FBI has confiscated the phones of David Banks, the schools chancellor, who announced his intention to step down by year-end, and Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety—a position created by Adams to oversee the NYPD. Police Commissioner Edward Caban had already resigned after his phone was seized by the FBI.
Corruption allegations have long surrounded Adams, making him the first sitting mayor of New York to be indicted. These allegations date back to when he was the Brooklyn borough president in 2014. Despite the indictment, Adams has vowed to remain in office, comparing his situation to that of Donald Trump and suggesting that unnamed adversaries are trying to bring him down.
The crimes alleged in the indictment are considered minor, reminiscent of machine politics, and reflect what some describe as Adams’ long-standing style of governance: opportunistic and lacking grand criminal ambition. When he was a state senator and later as Brooklyn borough president, Adams frequently found himself embroiled in controversies, leading to a perception among some that he was never quite above board.
New York City now faces uncertainty. Mayor Adams, plagued by corruption investigations, has been criticized for poor management and a lack of substantial public policy achievements. The City Hall’s functionality is compromised, with federal investigations hampering routine operations. The U.S. political system typically finds it easier to remove legislators than executives, and significant political pressure would be required to facilitate Adams’ exit—something Governor Kathy Hochul, a supporter of Adams, may be hesitant to do, given the democratic process and the lack of a conviction.
It appears unlikely that Adams will remain mayor beyond 2025, given his unpopularity and diminishing political support. If Adams resigns, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor until a special election is held, which would take place roughly three months later. The special election would involve ranked-choice voting and be open to all voters citywide.
There are several potential candidates for a special election. Williams, known for his association with the Working Families Party and his near-successful campaign for lieutenant governor in 2018, presents a strong progressive option, as does City Comptroller Brad Lander, who has substantial influence within the progressive community in Brooklyn. Other potential candidates include former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and state Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos. Each faces unique challenges, particularly in a short, intensive campaign.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal, might also enter the race, seeking redemption. Although Cuomo’s notoriety could hinder his chances under the ranked-choice voting system, he would be a formidable candidate.
Whatever unfolds, the next six months are unpredictable. There has never been an indicted New York City mayor or a subsequent mayoral special election while a mayor is actively dealing with charges. Predictions about the future direction of New York City’s leadership remain speculative at best.