Mayor Eric Adams formally nominated Randy Mastro as the city’s next top attorney — but sources say it’s already a doomed bid because there’s not enough support from the city council.
Mastro, a controversial attorney who served as deputy to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, was floated by the administration in April following multiple legal disagreements between the city’s former leading lawyer, Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, and others in the administration.
“Randy is a world-renowned attorney who brings decades of experience as a public servant, federal prosecutor, preeminent trial lawyer,” Mayor Adams said in a statement announcing the nomination Tuesday.
Mastro said he was “humbled and honored” to be considered.
Corporation counsel is tasked with coordinating the legal response and strategy for all New York City government agencies and is one of the few positions that require a sign-off from a majority of the city council.
For weeks, City Hall has been lobbying councilmembers behind the scenes to try to sway their vote on Mastro’s expected nomination, while also getting other prominent legal minds to publicly praise him.
But council sources told The Post that the Adams administration still doesn’t have enough votes to get him through the nomination process.
The council now has 30 days to vote on Mastro’s nomination under city charter.
“As part of a transparent public process, a forthcoming hearing will be scheduled that allows for thorough examination, public comment, and due consideration,” said council spokesperson Julia Agos.
Asked if he has a backup plan if Mastro fails to clear the council, Adams brushed off concerns.
“Listen, this administration, and I think that is our the key to our success, we’ve always been able to pivot and shift continuously,” he told reporters in City Hall during his weekly off-topic press conference.
Councilmembers have opposed Mastro’s bid since he was brought in for interviews in secret while City Hall was trying to push Hinds-Radix out the door.
“Crucially, as the City’s Corporation Counsel, Mastro would represent not only the Administration, but the City Council,” the council’s 34-member Black, Latino and Asian Caucus said in a scathing statement back in late April. “His history of work––including representing predatory financial institutions and negligent oil multinationals to the detriment of our shared public interest—is deeply concerning.”
But not all are against the mayor’s pick.
Queens Democrat Robert Holden praised Mastro’s “wealth of experience and dedication needed for this role.”
“Given his extensive background and proven commitment to our city, I am confident he will demonstrate why he is exceptionally qualified for this position,” the councilman added.
The Post previously reported that many in City Hall were annoyed with how Hinds-Radix had pushed back on a number of legal issues and strategies — most notably the closing of Rikers Island and having the Law Department represent the mayor in his sexual misconduct lawsuits stemming from decades-old allegations.
Hinds-Radix, who officially left the administration on May 31, was blindsided by the news.