This development comes amid a turbulent period in his administration, characterized by high-profile departures and mounting scrutiny.
Resignation Calls Predate Indictment News
Before the charges were publicized, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had already called for Adams’ resignation.
She pointed to a "flood of resignations and vacancies" as signs of an administration in disarray, hampered by continuous investigations which she argued impaired the city's ability to attract and maintain competent leaders.
Ocasio-Cortez stated, "I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City. The nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign."
Responding to the growing chorus for his resignation, Mayor Adams defended his tenure and integrity, accusing his critics of hypocrisy.
Particularly, he targeted those who previously advocated against preemptive imprisonment on allegations without formal charges. Adams affirmed his commitment to the city, declaring, "I will stay and fight."
"For anyone who self-righteously claims people charged with serious crimes should not be in jail to now say that the second Black mayor of New York should resign because of rumors and innuendo -- without even a single charge being filed -- is the height of hypocrisy," Adams stated.
Broadening Scope of Demands for Resignation
The calls for Adams to step down are not isolated to a few political opponents. State Senator John Liu, alongside numerous City Council members including Shekar Krishnan and Robert Holden, have voiced similar concerns.
They argue that the city requires stable and undistracted leadership, which they believe Adams can no longer provide due to the legal entanglements.
"The people of New York City, however, need a mayor who is able to devote full time and full energy to putting the city on the right track, including recruitment and retention of top leadership for the City. Mayor Adams is simply unable to do that for the foreseeable future and therefore, for the good of all New Yorkers, must resign immediately," remarked John Liu.
Adding to the pressure, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and mayoral candidates Scott Stringer and Jessica Ramos have expressed their disapproval.
Lander emphasized the importance of trust in public institutions, which he feels has been eroded under Adams’ watch.
"Trust in public institutions - especially City Hall - is essential for our local democracy to function and for our city to flourish. The hardworking people of New York City deserve a city government and leadership they can trust. Right now, they don't have it," stated Lander.
Potential Consequences and Replacements
If Adams resigns, he would be succeeded by the city's Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams, who would then organize a special election to select a new mayor.
Alternatively, Governor Kathy Hochul holds the power to remove the mayor from office, a measure yet to be contemplated publicly.
Support for Adams remains within some quarters of the political spectrum. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have expressed ongoing support for the embattled mayor, highlighting his attempts to navigate one of the toughest jobs under extraordinary circumstances.
Further complicating Adams' situation is the federal investigation's focus on his campaign's financial dealings, specifically looking into alleged illegal donations from foreign entities including Turkey.
The inquiry also covers Adams' connections with various international actors like Israel, Qatar, China, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
This sprawling investigation paints a troubling picture for Adams’ administration, as it delves into complex international relationships and their impact on local governance. With the situation evolving, New York City finds itself at a pivotal juncture, awaiting its leader's next move amid a storm of controversy.
