New York officials call on Mayor Eric Adams to resign after indictment

A growing number of Democratic New York officials called on New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign Thursday after an indictment on bribery and fraud charges.

The big picture: Adams, the first NYC mayor to face criminal charges while serving in office, was indicted on five counts following a months-long federal investigation into whether his campaign illegally conspired with Turkish entities to collect foreign donations.

Local and congressional lawmakers across the state called for his resignation.

Gov. Kathy Hochul's response

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who can remove a sitting mayor from office, told reporters Thursday that she needs time to review the indictment.

• "But my number one responsibility is to make sure the people of New York city and state of New York are served," she said.

Congressional members response

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) did not call for a resignation. He called it "a serious and sobering moment for New York City" and said a jury will "ultimately render a determination."
• Sen. John C. Liu (D-N.Y.) called for a resignation, saying that while Adams is innocent until proven guilty, the people of NYC "need a mayor who is able to devote full time and energy to putting the city on the right track."
• Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) told a Spectrum News NY1 reporter, when asked about Adams: "If I was in his shoes, I would have resigned today. He can't conduct the business of the people of New York. He knows that."

Flashback: Prior to the indictment becoming public, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) wrote on X Wednesday, "I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City.

• "The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration," she said.
• "For the good of the city, he should resign."

NYC officials response

NYC officials, including those in line for Adams' seat, also commented Thursday.

• New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who is first in line for the mayoral job, stopped short of calling for a resignation but said in a statement that the charges "are even more sweeping and severe than imagined."
• "It is federal officials' obligation to prove their case, 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," Williams added.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, second in line to succeed Adams, called for Adams to step down, as "federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city."

• Antonio Reynoso, who succeeded Adams as Brooklyn borough president, said the mayor "cannot lead this city, nor can he in good faith ask the public to put their trust in him" and needs "to put New Yorkers first and resign."

Several New York City Council members called on Adams to step down.

• City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said during a press conference Thursday she's "not going to offer a recommendation for resignation" but that she asks the mayor "to seriously and honestly consider whether full attention can be given to our deserving New Yorkers."
• City council member Erik Bottcher said on X that Adams "cannot competently manage a city of nearly 9,000,000 people while simultaneously waging a defense against multiple federal corruption charges."

Fellow city council member Shaun Abreu echoed the sentiment, writing that the indictment "is the final blow to public trust" after "an untenable distraction" of the months long investigation.

• "It's clear Mayor Adams has lost focus, created distractions, and stalled our city's grind," Abreu said. "For the good of the city, he should resign."
• City council member Carmen De La Rosa said "With the many issues facing our city, we need a leader who can provide stability, integrity, and focus."

Go deeper: NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on bribery and fraud charges