A group of Black lawmakers urged New York Governor Kathy Hochul to refrain from removing New York City Mayor Eric Adams over accusations of corrupt dealings with the Trump administration, saying they "strongly oppose" such a decision.
Eight lawmakers, including five assemblymembers and three state senators, signed the letter, saying that "as Black legislators we have seen this over and over again." "Double standards and unfair process when it comes to our leaders. If a move against the mayor is made without a justifiable legal reason, our communities will never forget it," they added.
The group went on to say that "there is no constitutional reason we can see why he (Adams) should be removed from office," and urged the governor to let voters decide on his political future on the June election.
Eight Black state legislators ask Hochul not to remove Adams - “our communities will never forget it” if she does and she should leave it up to voters.
— Jeff Coltin (@JCColtin) February 19, 2025
Led by Brooklyn Dems leader Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, list also includes lawmakers close to Jeffries and Meeks. pic.twitter.com/gLNhb3apEe
"To keep New York moving forward, we strongly advocate for allowing the Mayor to remain at the helm. New York City, working people, and communities of color are far better off with the consistency of the sitting mayor," the letter ends.
Adams' lawyers are appearing before court on Wednesday to argue why the corruption charges against him should be dismissed, as requested by Donald Trump's Department of Justice. Dale E. Ho, a second-year federal judge in Manhattan, will ultimately decide what to do with the case.
Hochul met on Tuesday with "key leaders" to discuss "the path forward" as she weighs whether to remove Adams from office after prosecutors who resigned following the DOJ's orders said Adams would be exchanging increased immigration enforcement for the dropping of the corruption charges against him.
"In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly," Hochul wrote in a statement late Monday.
"That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored," she continued, adding she would meet with local leaders at her Manhattan office on Tuesday to discuss "the path forward, with the goal of ensuring stability for the City of New York."
Adams has not shown willingness to leave office. Speaking during the weekend, he said at a Baptist church, "the most sanctified among us are calling for me to step down... I'm not going to step down, I'm going to step up."
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