Exclusive | Top New York state Democrat calls on Eric Adams to resign

A Call for Resignation: State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Urges Mayor Adams to Step Down

In a significant development in New York political circles, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has become one of the most prominent Democratic leaders to publicly call for Mayor Eric Adams to resign. Speaking exclusively to The Post on Saturday during a political conference in Albany, Stewart-Cousins stated, “It’s probably time that he move aside.” Her comments come amid growing distractions caused by corruption charges against the mayor and allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement with the Trump administration’s Department of Justice. Stewart-Cousins emphasized that the ongoing drama surrounding Mayor Adams is diverting attention away from critical tasks, such as the ongoing state budget discussions. “We really are spending more time on the mayor in his plight. It’s distracting and we have a job to do. We’re in the middle of a budget,” she remarked.

Political Dynamics Intensify: Stewart-Cousins and Hochul’s Potential Role

Stewart-Cousins also expressed her willingness to support Governor Kathy Hochul if the governor decides to take action to remove Adams from office. “I would certainly support the governor looking at her options seriously,” she said. This statement adds further weight to the growing pressure on Mayor Adams, as it signals a potential alignment between the state’s legislative and executive branches. However, City Hall has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. Stewart-Cousins’ stance is particularly significant, as she is one of the highest-ranking Democrats in the state to call for Adams’ resignation, joining a chorus of voices that includes Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado Breaks Ranks with Hochul

In a surprising move, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado publicly broke from Governor Hochul last Thursday, becoming one of the first high-ranking officials to call for Mayor Adams’ resignation. Speaking to reporters in Albany, Delgado stated, “I think the first step is to call for resignation.” He further elaborated, “His guilt or innocence at this point is really not the question. The question in my mind is, is he in a position to serve the best interests of the city?” Delgado’s comments sent shockwaves through both Albany and New York City, as they marked a rare instance of public disagreement within the state’s Democratic leadership. His decision to speak out underscores the growing unease among officials about Mayor Adams’ ability to lead effectively amid the ongoing legal proceedings.

Legal Battles and Corruption Allegations Against Mayor Adams

The calls for Mayor Adams’ resignation come on the heels of a dramatic legal development. On Friday, prosecutors with the Department of Justice moved to dismiss their case against Adams, but not before seven prosecutors resigned in protest. The dismissals were reportedly ordered by Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, raising questions about potential political interference in the case. Mayor Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges that he fast-tracked the opening of the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan in exchange for $123,000 in bribes. Additionally, he is accused of soliciting illegal donations from Turkish nationals who allegedly funneled tens of thousands of dollars into his 2021 mayoral campaign. These allegations have cast a shadow over his administration and fueled demands for his resignation.

Growing Pressure: A Wave of Democratic Officials Demand Adams’ Exit

Stewart-Cousins and Delgado are not alone in their call for Mayor Adams to step down. At least 30 other Democratic elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels have joined the chorus, reflecting a broadening consensus within the party that Adams’ continued tenure is untenable. The mounting pressure on Adams is further complicated by the fact that these officials are not merely criticizing his policies or leadership style but are instead questioning his very fitness to hold office. As the legal proceedings unfold and the political landscape continues to shift, the calls for resignation are likely to intensify, putting Adams in an increasingly isolated position.

The Broader Implications: Governance, Accountability, and the Future of New York City

The unfolding drama surrounding Mayor Adams has significant implications for the governance of New York City and the state as a whole. At its core, the issue is not merely about Adams’ personal legal struggles but about the ability of the city’s leadership to function effectively in the face of distractions and ethical concerns. As Stewart-Cousins and others have pointed out, the ongoing saga is diverting attention and resources away from critical issues, such as the state budget and other pressing matters facing New Yorkers. Ultimately, the situation raises important questions about accountability in public office and the need for leaders to prioritize the interests of their constituents above all else. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the road ahead for Mayor Adams and the city he leads will be fraught with challenges, both legal and political.