House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed support for Adams, noting the difficulty of the mayor’s role and stating, “As far as I can tell, Mayor Adams is trying to do the best that he can in one of the toughest jobs in the world”
Congressman Ritchie Torres has taken a more cautious stance, urging patience and emphasizing due process. He remarked, “There is no indictment, no conviction, no official finding of wrongdoing. Without an official finding, it strikes me as premature to call for the mayor’s resignation. The cornerstone of our legal process is due process. Every American is entitled to it. The mayor is no exception.”
State Senator James Sander: “While the facts surrounding Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment are still emerging, this is undoubtedly a difficult moment for both the mayor and New York City. We must uphold the American principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and avoid rushing to judgment. As the situation develops, Mayor Adams and his team must carefully consider what is in the best interest of both him and the city. Our prayers are with the mayor and New York as they navigate these challenges.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s statement,
“This is an extraordinarily difficult day for New York City.
I have carefully reviewed the indictment released by the United States Department of Justice. This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that has, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers.
Our judicial system is based on the foundational principle that all of us are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Yet those of us who have chosen a career in elected office know that we’re held to a higher standard. Given the responsibilities we hold as public servants, that’s entirely appropriate.
New Yorkers deserve to know that their municipal government is working effectively, ethically, and in the best interests of the people – driving down crime, educating our kids, and ensuring basic city services continue unabated. It’s now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead in that manner.
My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the City. While I review my options and obligations as the Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well- served by their leaders. We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government.”
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair’s Statement on Mayor Eric Adams’ Indictment,
“Our laws mandate due process. An indictment is not a conviction. Every American, every New Yorker, is innocent unless proven otherwise.
Those principles of fairness are meant to apply to all cases and all settings. They are enshrined in the Constitution of this nation and this state.
Eric Adams has dedicated his life to this City. As a police officer, he put himself in danger to protect others. As our elected Mayor, he fought to improve Our lives.
Fairness demands simply that Mayor Adams is given what each of us would want: a presumption of innocence.”
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was one of the first and most prominent voices calling for Mayor Adams to step down, citing that multiple investigations are undermining the city’s governance. She stated, “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City. The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.”
Scott Stringer, a former New York City comptroller and current mayoral candidate, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Adams’ legal battles are distracting the city from crucial issues. He said, “Eric Adams is indicted. There is simply zero chance that the wheels of government will move forward full steam ahead. Instead, we are left with a broken-down train wreck of a municipal government. His legal fight is not our fight. While the mayor focuses on proving his innocence, the rest of us need to concentrate on the business of the city—building affordable housing, educating our kids, and keeping this city safe.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie has joined others in calling for Mayor Eric Adams to step down, expressing his disappointment in the mayor’s leadership and stating,
“This is a sad day for the city, and especially painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this Mayor.
We live in the greatest city in the world — and the Mayor must be fully focused on delivering for the millions who call it home. Many like my parents come here in search of opportunity; others like myself are born and raised by this vibrant city. Each New Yorker deserves a Mayor who is dedicated to serving our communities, and who upholds the dignity and integrity this office requires.
We need a leader who is fully focused, without distraction, on the enormous challenges we face — from housing affordability to public safety. A mayor under the weight of a serious indictment can no longer do that — and today I am calling on him to resign.”
City Councilmember Robert Holden echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s a sad day for New York City when a sitting mayor is indicted on federal charges. While he is presumed innocent until proven guilty, there is no way he can effectively lead with this cloud hanging over him. With the challenges our city faces, he must step down for the good of New Yorkers.”
State Senator John Liu: “Eric Adams is innocent until proven guilty; he is entitled to his due process, but it will take all of his might to defend himself against these federal charges. The people of New York City, however, need a mayor who is able to devote full time and full energy to putting the city on the right track, including recruitment and retention of top leadership for the City. Mayor Adams is simply unable to do that for the foreseeable future and therefore, for the good of all New Yorkers, must resign immediately.”
