Governor Kathy Hochul has decided not to remove Mayor Eric Adams from his position as the leader of New York City. During a press conference held in her Midtown office, Hochul stated, “After careful consideration, I have determined that I will not commence removal proceedings at this time.” Her decision is firmly grounded on her belief in democratic principles. “My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections preclude me from any other action,” she explained further. Hochul, echoing sentiments familiar among conservatives, affirms the crucial role of democratic elections, maintaining what some might describe as traditional values in a democratic society. As such, she insisted, “I cannot deny the people of this great city the power to make this decision for themselves.”
In an interesting twist, rather than fully stepping back, Hochul plans to implement measures to curtail Adams’ executive power. Among these measures is the appointment of a “special inspector general” to have oversight over the mayor’s office. Furthermore, she intends to empower the city comptroller and New York City Council to have easier access to sue federal agencies. Hochul expressed, “This is an opportunity to install safeguards that we need to have in place to give people confidence that there’s only one factor in every decision that’s made, and that’s what’s best for the people of the city.” These proposed actions hint at the ongoing political chess game at the heart of liberal New York politics.
Calls from Democrats had arisen demanding Hochul to invoke her special powers to remove Adams due to the dropped DOJ corruption charges. These charges were dismissed as Adams agreed to aid in mass deportation efforts, raising questions about motivations behind political actions.
The New York City charter does provide that the governor can remove a mayor after due process: “may be removed from office by the governor upon charges and after service upon him of a copy of the charges and an opportunity to be heard in his defense.”
Governor Kathy Hochul has chosen not to remove Mayor Eric Adams, instead leaving the decision to New York City voters. pic.twitter.com/xvHCflsOXR
— Timcast News (@TimcastNews) February 20, 2025
Looking at truths often ignored by liberal media, Adams allegedly took $100,000 in benefits and illegal donations in exchange for favors to Turkish interests. Adams denied these allegations, calling them political persecution for his critique of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. In his defense, he claimed, “I have told the governor, as we have done in the past, that I am willing to work with her to ensure faith in our government is strong.” Despite criticisms, Adams seems keen to maintain diplomatic ties with Hochul, saying, “I look forward to continuing those conversations.”