Progressive politicians are calling for Mayor Eric Adams to resign amid federal investigations, but he has refused to do so. If he were to leave office, the public advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor, followed by a special election with ranked choice voting to elect a new mayor. If Adams were to step down within 90 days before the June primaries, there would be no special election, and the new mayor would be elected in November. Incumbent Mayor Williams and the winner of the special election would still be eligible to run for mayor in the 2025 election. Various politicians, including Councilmember Tiffany Cabán and State Senator Julia Salazar, have expressed interest in running for mayor in the upcoming elections.
In the midst of ongoing federal investigations, Mayor Eric Adams and his administration are facing mounting pressure from progressive politicians such as Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, state Senator Julia Salazar, and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher to resign. While Adams has refused to step down, there is a possibility that he could be forced out of office. In the event of his resignation or removal, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would step in as acting mayor, and a special election would be held to elect a new mayor.
The process of replacing a mayor in New York City involves various mechanisms outlined in the city’s charter. One option is for Governor Kathy Hochul to remove the mayor from office, although this power has rarely been exercised in the past. Another option is the formation of an “inability committee,” which can vote to declare the mayor unable to fulfill their duties, leading to their permanent removal.
Even if Mayor Adams were indicted, he could continue to serve unless removed by the governor or the inability committee. In the event of his departure, Acting Mayor Williams would announce a special election to be held within 80 days of the vacancy. The special election would utilize ranked choice voting and be nonpartisan, allowing all voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.
If a special election is held, the newly elected mayor would serve until the official mayoral primaries in June 2025, followed by the general election in November 2025. Incumbents like Williams and the winner of the special election would still be eligible to run for mayor in 2025, making the special election a crucial event to watch in the lead-up to the next mayoral race.
City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli has expressed interest in running in a special election if Mayor Adams steps down, while other candidates for the 2025 mayoral race, such as Brad Lander, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, and Scott Stringer, may also join the special election. The outcome of the special election could have significant implications for the upcoming mayoral race in 2025.
Source: TheCity.NYC
