Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday said the resignation of one of Eric Adams’ top aides was a “good first step” in her demands that the mayor “right the ship” in his embattled administration — and suggested she expected more to come.
But Hochul — who as governor has the authority to remove a sitting mayor — continued to play her cards close to the vest when asked about the revelation that federal prosecutors intend to possibly hit Adams with more charges in their historic corruption case against him.
Hochul, during an unrelated press conference, said she would “let the process play out.”
The governor confirmed earlier reporting that she had asked Adams to clean house in the wake of his bombshell indictment on bribery and wire fraud charges last week.
“I’m just letting him know that we’re monitoring the situation. We expect changes. That’s not a secret. And changes are beginning,” she told reporters.
“This departure is a first good step and we’re watching to see what else unfolds over the next few days,” Hochul said when asked about the announcement on Monday that close Adams advisor Tim Pearson would be resigning at the end of the week.
Pearson was among a raft of top Adams administration officials and allies who had their devices seized in a spate of dramatic federal raids Sept. 4. He has not been accused of a crime.
Asked if she could provide a specific number or list of staffers she’d like to see canned, Hochul said she would not be making such a demand of the mayor at this point.
“It’s inappropriate for me to have a litmus test,” she said. “That is an irrational approach that I’m not willing to take.”
The governor did note that she expects the mayor to fill the vacancies “with people that are going to be responsible.”
Top Democrats including Hochul are still publicly saying that Adams deserves to have his day in court, but machinations behind the scenes show they’re quietly weighing options regarding his potential downfall.
Hours after the indictment against Adams was unsealed, Hochul’s lawyers began researching how to remove him from office, if things resorted to them having to use that nuclear option.
High-ranking Dems have also discussed potential candidates to run in a special election, should one be triggered if Adams calls it quits over the next few months.