What happens if NYC Mayor Eric Adams resigns or leaves office, now that he's been indicted?
NEW YORK -- The indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams raises questions about the future of city leadership.
Despite multiple calls for his resignation, Adams continues to show no sign he plans to step aside.
While investigations have swirled around Adams and several of his top administration officials for months, Adams has remained defiant. When asked if he would consider resigning earlier this week, he replied he was "stepping up, not stepping down."
"A year from now, I see myself again raising my right hand and being called the mayor of the city of New York," Adams said.
The mayor entered a not guilty plea in his first court appearance on Sept. 27.
What is the New York City line of succession?
But what happens if Adams either does resign or is removed from office, which Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to do? Two other mayors have previously resigned: James Walker, in 1932, and William O'Dwyer, in 1950. No New York governor has ever used their power to remove the mayor, to date.
Hochul released the following statement Thursday night:
This is an extraordinarily difficult day for New York City. I have carefully reviewed the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice. This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that has, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers.
Our judicial system is based on the foundational principle that all of us are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Yet those of us who have chosen a career in elected office know that we're held to a higher standard. Given the responsibilities we hold as public servants, that's entirely appropriate.
New Yorkers deserve to know that their municipal government is working effectively, ethically and in the best interests of the people -- driving down crime, educating our kids and ensuring basic city services continue unabated. It's now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead in that manner.
\My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the City. While I review my options and obligations as the governor of New York, I expect the mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders. We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.
Hofstra University law professor James Sample told CBS News New York the state has seen its share of corruption investigations over the years, "but none of those people were the mayor of America's largest city," adding, "the pressure will be immense."
According to the New York City Charter, if the mayor leaves office, the next in the line of succession is the public advocate. That position is currently held by Jumaane Williams. After that, it's the comptroller. That office is held by Brad Lander.
In this case, if Adams did resign or otherwise left office before his term was up, Williams would become mayor. Lander would only take office as mayor if Williams and Adams were both not in office.
However, if either the public advocate or comptroller became mayor under those circumstances, they would not have the power to appoint or remove other mayoral appointees from office. They also would not be able to sign, approve or veto any local law for nine days.
The acting mayor would have three days to set the date for a special election, which would have to be held within 80 days.
Williams released the following statement after Adams was indicted.
I feel the same disbelief and indignation that I know many New Yorkers feel, upset that this is where our city is in this moment. This is a painful time, and the looming unknowns and uncertainties only add to the confusion and chaos at City Hall in an untenable situation.
Justice presumes innocence until proven guilty, at the same time, these charges are even more sweeping and severe than imagined. In the face of this evidence, it is not enough to deflect blame and deny responsibility.
It is federal officials' obligation to prove their case, and it is the mayor's obligation to prove to New Yorkers that there is a real plan and path to govern the city effectively and regain trust, and his time to show that plan is rapidly running out.
As the Public Advocate, my role is to fight for the transparency, accountability, and governance that New Yorkers deserve. In a moment of intense turmoil, I am committed to working with my fellow elected officials and the many thousands of incredibly dedicated public servants to ensure our city continues to operate in any eventuality.
