Gov. Kathy Hochul won’t join, at least for now, the dozens of New York Democrats calling for New York Mayor Eric Adams to step down as he faces bombshell corruption charges.
The governor, in a statement released almost 24 hours after the indictment against Adams was first reported, echoed many others’ deep concerns about the bribery and wire fraud charges against Hizzoner, but signaled she would allow him a few days before possibly taking the extraordinary step of calling for his resignation.
“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,” Hochul wrote in the statement.
“We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government,” she added.
Earlier Thursday, The Post was first to report that Hochul’s lawyers have begun examining the scenario of possibly removing the mayor from office – a rarely used power the governor wields by way of the city charter.
“Of course, the counsel’s office would be prepared to present to the governor on any possible legal scenario related to this matter,” a spokesperson for the governor said.
Earlier in the day, after an unrelated event that began just as the indictment of Adams was unsealed, Hochul reiterated that she wants to ensure the day-to-day operations of city government continue as the chaos over Adams’ scandals unfolds.
“I will be talking to my allies in the administration to make sure that the people of New York City know that their lives will not be impacted by this while this unfolds. That’s important to me. They need to have the confidence in their government,” Hochul said in response to a question from The Post.
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Hochul also said at the time she had not communicated with Sen. Chuck Schumer or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, two of the most high ranking Democrats in the state.
Neither have yet to call for Adams’ resignation.
