City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams blasted out a campaign fundraising plea off this week’s historic federal indictment against Mayor Adams — prompting further speculation the progressive pol is gearing up for a City Hall run.
“This news is incredibly serious. The indictment further erodes New Yorkers’ trust in city government,” the self-described activist-politician, who is next in line to serve as acting mayor of New York City, wrote in an email Saturday.
“Right now, New Yorkers need confidence in our city’s leadership,” he added, before asking his supporters to “stand with me” and open up their wallets.
Williams has yet to join a swelling chorus of more than 40 elected officials who are calling for the mayor to resign, and instead has demanded Adams show New Yorkers he has a plan to “govern the city effectively and regain trust.”
“His time to show that plan is rapidly running out,” he said after the mayor was hit with federal wire fraud and bribery charges. Adams has pleaded not guilty.
Williams has dodged questions on whether he’ll run in a race triggered by Adams resignation, which would be called 80 days after his temporary ascendancy at City Hall.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens), however, slammed the email blitz as pure opportunism — and a clear sign Williams is preparing for what is shaping up to be a potentially crowded special election.
“Rather than working to maintain trust in city government and make sure our agencies continue working for the people of New York, Jumaane has used the Mayor’s indictment as an opportunity to get his name out there and raise funds for the future special election,” Ariola told The Post
A spokesperson for Williams didn’t respond to a request for comment.
