Getty Images
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams reported inking contracts with people who would help him run a race days after Mayor Adams was slapped with a federal indictment — the latest sign the progressive pol is readying a bid for a possible mayoral special election, sources told The Post.
Williams, who would succeed Hizzoner if he leaves office, noted a pair of $10,000 invoices on Oct. 1 for consulting work by strategists Alex Voetsch and Trip Yang, both of whom handled his 2019 public advocate run, campaign finance records show.
“If something walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it is a duck,” said veteran Democratic campaign consultant Hank Sheinkopf.
By spending the money now, Sheinkopf said, “[Williams] is telling everyone else who wants to run that if there’s a special, he’s serious.”
Sources familiar with Williams’ strategy said he’s preparing for “any eventuality,” be it his re-election as public advocate or running as the incumbent in a nonpartisan special mayoral election should Adams resign or be forced out of office.
“While no official decision has been made, I think he’s leaning toward running in a special [election] if he is the sitting, acting mayor,” one source said.
“Bringing his old team back together was a priority to be ready at any moment.”
Williams has avoided directly answering whether he’d launch a bid for City Hallbut sparked speculation after sending out a fundraising email just days after Adams was hit with bribery and wire fraud charges.
Others well-known pols weighing whether to jump in the potential race include former disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Attorney General Letitia James.