How to fire a mayor: Protocols for ousting NYC Mayor Eric Adams untested
If New York Gov. Kathy Hochul decides she must oust Mayor Eric Adams from his post, the path forward is murky and untested.
Hochul said in a statement she was meeting Tuesday with top city officials. She noted that in the 235 years of New York State history, the power to remove a mayor has not been exercised.
"Overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly," she said late Monday. "That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored."
Adams has been under pressure to resign since a criminal indictment last September charging him with corruption. He has steadfastly denied guilt. The Trump administration then filed a motion to have the charges thrown out, prompting a judge to order a hearing Wednesday to discuss the reasons why.
How can the governor remove the mayor from office?
The city charter states that the governor can remove the mayor from office "after service upon him of a copy of the charges and an opportunity to be heard in his defense. Pending the preparation and disposition of charges, the governor may suspend the mayor for a period not exceeding thirty days."
So Hochul must provide Adams with a written complaint laying out the accusations that are prompting the ouster. Adams then would be afforded some type of public hearing to defend himself against the claims. How that would work was not immediately clear, and there is no precedent for it.
Who would become acting mayor?
After the hearing, Hochul would make her final decision to remove him or allow him to stay. If he is out, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor.
The timeline is imporant because the mayoral election will take place this year. If Adams is removed from office before March 26, or 90 days before the June primary election, Williams would need to call a special election. The winner would serve as mayor until the newly elected mayor takes office in January.