Eric Adams has been indicted. Who is calling on him to resign?

A growing number of elected officials in New York have called on embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign in the face of federal criminal charges. In an indictment unsealed on Sept. 26, federal prosecutors charged Adams with five counts of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and solicitation of illegal foreign campaign donations. The news followed a month of speculation and a steady drumbeat of reporting about federal probes into the mayor and several of his top aides.

Eight lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had already called for Adams to resign prior to news of the indictment, but the calls for him to step down accelerated rapidly after The New York Times reported on the existence of the sealed indictment on Sept. 25. Confirmation that the mayor was being charged accelerated calls for him to step down. Some lawmakers expressed sorrow about the development, and noted Adams should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise – but still called for him to step down due to the distraction of the coming legal process.

As of Sept. 26, at least 42 elected officials have publicly called for Adams to step down.

The first indication of federal scrutiny of the mayor came in November, when federal agents raided the home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, and Rana Abbasova, his director of protocol for international affairs. The feds then personally stopped the mayor in the street and confiscated his devices. In July, the Times reported that Adams was served grand jury subpoenas. On Sept. 4, federal agents raided the homes and seized electronic devices of multiple of his top aides, prompting a cascade of resignations. 

In a video released Wednesday night, the mayor remained defiant and said he is innocent. “I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, I would become a target, and a target I became,” he said, referencing his outspoken criticism of the federal government over a lack of support for New York City during an influx of migrants in recent years. “Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will.”

City Hall has been buffeted by a series of high-profile resignations since the Sept. 4 raids. On Tuesday, schools Chancellor David Banks announced he’d be stepping down at the end of the year. That announcement came on the heels of a similar one from city Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan on Monday. On Sept. 14, Mayor Eric Adams’ chief counsel Lisa Zornberg abruptly resigned from her position amid ongoing investigations into top members of the mayor’s administration. Her resignation letter offered no insight into the reason for her departure, but the Daily News reported that Zornberg resigned after Adams declined her advice to fire Adams adviser Tim Pearson and other high-level administration officials involved in federal investigations. Her resignation followed that of the former Police Commissioner Edward Caban on Sept. 12.

Here are the New York elected officials who have so far called on the mayor to step down. This story was last updated on Sept. 26.

MAYORAL CANDIDATES:

Mayoral candidate and Comptroller Brad Lander (Sept. 25): "First and foremost, this is a sad day for New Yorkers. Trust in public institutions – especially City Hall – is essential for our local democracy to function and for our city to flourish,” the lefty city comptroller, who has often clashed with Adams, wrote in a statement. “Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves due process, the presumption of innocence, and his day in court. However, it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city. The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands. At this urgent moment, the City’s leaders must focus on how we can best enable steady governance so that New York City can move forward and thrive. As the comptroller of the city, I will do everything I can to help ensure this happens."

Mayoral candidate and former Comptroller Scott Stringer (Sept. 25): “Eric Adams is indicted. There is simply zero chance that the wheels of government will move forward from this full steam ahead. Instead, we are left with a broken down trainwreck of a municipal government,” the former comptroller said in a statement released minutes after the Times reported on the indictment. “The mayor needs to resign for the good of the city. His legal fight is not our fight. While the mayor focuses on proving his innocence, the rest of us need to focus on the business of the city – building affordable housing, educating our kids, and keeping this city safe.”

Mayoral candidate and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie (Sept. 25): "This is a sad day for the city, and especially painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this mayor,” the Brooklyn Democrat wrote in a statement. “We live in the greatest city in the world – and the mayor must be fully focused on delivering for the millions who call it home. Many like my parents come here in search of opportunity; others like myself are born and raised by this vibrant city. Each New Yorker deserves a mayor who is dedicated to serving our communities, and who upholds the dignity and integrity this office requires. We need a leader who is fully focused, without distraction, on the enormous challenges we face – from housing affordability to public safety. A mayor under the weight of a serious indictment can no longer do that – and today I am calling on him to resign."

Rumored mayoral candidate and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani (Sept. 25): “Even before this indictment, he has completely failed to address the crushing cost of living crisis that is driving working families out of our city. In fact, he has only made it worse,” the socialist Assembly member, whom City & State previously reported is considering a mayoral run, said in a statement. “Now Adams faces the insurmountable distraction of a federal trial. For the good of all New Yorkers, he should step down now. As we head into this moment of uncertainty, we must remember it was not just Eric Adams who brought us to this point. It was big donors, real estate developers, and a right-wing media that championed him as the leader to save our city. It’s time for a new direction.”

CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Sept. 25): In a statement to The New York Times before the indictment news broke, the left-wing star said in part: “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function. … Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. … For the good of the city, he should resign.” The socialist “Squad” member has never been supportive of Adams, but her call for him to resign nonetheless broadens public awareness of his struggles.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (Sept. 26): “This is the culmination of the cult of corruption rampant in the New York Democrat Party – from the former disgraced Governor Cuomo and his sycophant henchmen to the Communist Chinese who have infiltrated Kathy Hochul, the least popular NY Governor in history, to now Eric Adams,” the chair of the House Republican Conference said in a statement. “Of course, Eric Adams should resign. New York Democrats will pay the price for this corruption and incompetence in November and Republicans will sweep this November.”

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (Sept. 26): “If I were in his shoes, I would have resigned today,” the progressive Democrat told Spectrum News NY1. “He can’t conduct the business of the people of New York, he knows that,” she added.

STATE SENATORS:

State Sen. Julia Salazar (Sept. 13): Representing Northern Brooklyn, socialist state Sen. Julia Salazar said she’s seen enough. Several FBI investigations have done too much harm to the city, she wrote on X. “Time to step aside and allow for new leadership.” 

State Sen. Jabari Brisport (Sept. 17): The socialist state senator kept it short and sweet in his Sept. 17 tweet: “Eric Adams should resign.”

State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (Sept. 24): The state senator from the Bronx had one response to the news of David Banks’ resignation: “The implosion is imminent. The mayor should RESIGN.” On Sept. 25, after Adams was indicted, Rivera doubled down: “We've crossed a threshold-- the mayor cannot continue to govern. Adams must resign. I'm confident @JumaaneWilliams is ready to fulfill his duties and address a gap in trustworthy leadership. I wish him good health as he must undoubtedly be preparing for a necessary transition.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Sept. 25): “It’s untenable for Mayor Adams to continue in office while under federal indictment,” the Manhattan Democrat wrote. “He must resign now.”

State Sen. John Liu (Sept. 25): “Eric Adams is innocent until proven guilty; he is entitled to his due process, but it will take all of his might to defend himself against these federal charges. The people of New York City, however, need a mayor who is able to devote full time and full energy to putting the city on the right track, including recruitment and retention of top leadership for the City,” the Queens Democrat wrote. “Mayor Adams is simply unable to do that for the foreseeable future and therefore, for the good of all New Yorkers, must resign immediately.”

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (Sept. 26): “No mayor can serve the people of this great city well while facing federal prosecution. The immense responsibility of governing this city demands an unrelenting focus free from distraction,” the Brooklyn Democrat said in a statement released on X. “Mayor Adams must step down.”

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (Sept. 26): The socialist state senator was short and to the point in a post on X: “It’s time for Mayor Adams to resign.”

State Sen. Iwen Chu (Sept. 26): “While the Mayor is innocent until proven guilty, the city deserves a leader who can retrain trust and focus fully, without distraction, on the issues impacting New Yorkers,” the Brooklyn Democrat said in a statement. “For the benefit of all New Yorkers, and to spare the city from further disruption, Mayor Adams must immediately resign and allow for real leadership to move us forward.”

ASSEMBLY MEMBERS:

Assembly Member Emily Gallagher (Sept. 13): “We deserve a new mayor,” the Brooklyn socialist wrote on X. Gallagher said the mayor lacks “real charisma” and surrounds himself with criminals. In the post, she also called his attitude “corny,” and said he should resign. 

Assembly Member Karines Reyes (Sept. 25): “I am deeply troubled to learn of the indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams,” the Bronx Democrat wrote in a statement. “While our legal system is predicated on the presumption of innocence, I believe that it is in the best interest of all New Yorkers for Mayor Adams to resign from office. It is impossible for the Mayor to remain focused on the city’s business while he and his top aides are forced to defend themselves in the court of law.” 

Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell (Sept. 25): The Upper West Side Democrat released this statement on X: “Assembly Member O’Donnell emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence but expressed great concern about Adams’ capacity to effectively serve New York City while facing this legal battle.”  

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (Sept. 25): “The Mayor has been indicted on federal charges of corruption and can no longer govern effectively. Enough is enough. Eric Adams must resign immediately for the sake of NYC.”

Assembly Member Robert Carroll (Sept. 25): “Mayor Adams should resign for the good of New York City,” the Manhattan Democrat, who is also running for City Council in 2025, wrote on X. “His Police Commissioner, Schools Chancellor, Health (Commissioner) & Counsel have all resigned in the last 2 weeks. He has now been indicted by Federal prosecutors. It is impossible for him to effectively manage the city.”

Assembly Member Tony Simone (Sept. 25): “When New Yorkers voted for Eric Adams, they voted for a candidate who pledged to uphold and enforce our laws,” the Manhattan Democrat wrote. “The stream of high profile resignations following law enforcement raids has culminated in the mayor’s federal indictment for corruption. Like so many New Yorkers I no longer have faith in his ability to execute the job of mayor and call for Mayor Adams to resign.” 

Assembly Member Phara Souffrant-Forrest (Sept. 25): The socialist Assembly member promptly shared AOC’s statement on X, adding, “Mayor Adams has failed to address the urgent needs of New Yorkers. The people of this city deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being and listens to their voices. It is time for the Mayor to step aside.” Souffrant-Forrest called for Adams to step down before news broke of the indictment.

Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal (Sept. 25): “New Yorkers deserve a government that works – not a raft of resignations and indictments that now include the mayor,” the Manhattan Democrat wrote. “While everyone is entitled to their day in court, NYC’s challenges are far too vast to fight with one hand tied behind your back. Mayor Adams must resign.

Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes (Sept. 26): “The flood of resignations and vacancies in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is crippling our government’s basic functions and hurting working New Yorkers,” the socialist state legislator wrote on X. “We need a leader focused on the pressing challenges we face, from housing affordability to public safety. No Mayor can effectively govern under the weight of a criminal indictment. For the good of our city, I am calling on Mayor Adams to resign. New Yorkers deserve so much better.”

Assembly Member Grace Lee (Sept. 26): “The indictment of Mayor Eric Adams on charges including bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations is significant and deeply troubling. New Yorkers deserve to have full confidence in their elected officials and their ability to govern. These investigations have become an untenable distraction from our government’s work to improve the lives of New Yorkers. For the good of our city, I call on Mayor Adams to resign.”

Assembly Member Harvey Epstein (Sept. 26): “The allegations in the indictment against Eric Adams have completely compromised his ability to effectively lead,” the Manhattan Democrat said in a statement. “These serious charges claiming bribery, fraud and numerous other federal crimes demand the Mayor resign. Our city can no longer move forward with Mayor Adams at the helm. For the good of New York City, Mayor Adams should resign or be removed from office.”

BOROUGH PRESIDENTS:

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (Sept. 26): “The accusations made against Mayor Eric Adams are serious, substantial, and pervasive. He’s going to need to put every ounce of his being into protecting himself from these charges at a time when every ounce of his being should be going to the protection of the people of New York City,” the Brooklyn borough president said in a statement. “The Mayor cannot lead this city, nor can he in good faith ask the public to put their trust in him. I ask the Mayor to put New Yorkers first and resign.”

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

City Council Member Alexa Avilés (Sept. 16): The socialist City Council member from Brooklyn was never a big fan of the mayor, but on Sept. 16 she officially called for him to resign. “Eric Adams is unfit to lead our city and NYPD,” she wrote on X. “NYC deserves so much better.” 

City Council Member Tiffany Cabán (Sept. 16): The Queens socialist pulled no punches and called Adams out on corruption and mismanagement. “Eric Adams is unfit to govern. NY deserves better,” she wrote on X. Cabán has a track record of being tough on the mayor, scorching him for “cutting critical services” and “empowering NYPD abuse.”  

City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa (Sept. 25): “In light of Mayor Adams' indictment, I join a growing number of my colleagues in calling for his resignation,” the Manhattan progressive wrote on X. “With the many issues facing our city, we need a leader who can provide stability, integrity, and focus.”

City Council Member Sandy Nurse (Sept. 25): “His Police Commissioner was maybe trying to be a mafia, the Sheriff might be stealing cash from drug dealers, Tim Pearson choked a female shelter guard, the phone seizures, the raids. We are done!” the Brooklyn progressive wrote on X. “Eric Adams should resign.”

City Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (Sept. 25): “This year-long federal investigation has shattered the public’s confidence and proven what we've been saying: the Mayor cannot be trusted to lead,” the Brooklyn progressive wrote. “Tomorrow’s indictment will bring more details, but the judgment is clear. He asks for prayers, we’re asking for his resignation.”

City Council Member Chi Ossé (Sept. 25): “Eric Adams needs to resign as mayor of New York City,” the Gen Z Democrat from Bed-Stuy said in a selfie video recorded in a subway station. “Now half the city’s leadership is out of commission. I’m not going to lie. They look guilty.”

City Council Member Lincoln Restler (Sept. 25): “The Mayor must resign. No Mayor can serve our city under criminal indictment,” the progressive council member wrote on X. “The only responsible course for New York City is for Mayor Eric Adams to step down. If he refuses, he must be removed from office as prescribed by the charter. New Yorkers deserve so much better.”

City Council Member Shahana Hanif (Sept. 25): “It’s clear that Mayor Adams can no longer effectively serve New Yorkers. I stand with my colleagues in calling for his immediate resignation,” the progressive council member wrote on X. 

City Council Member Shekar Krishnan (Sept. 25): “City Hall is in free fall. Tonight, the Mayor of New York City was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice,” the Democratic City Council member from Queens wrote on X. “New Yorkers deserve better than the chaos and corruption they are seeing in our city government. Mayor Adams must resign.”

City Council Member Robert Holden (Sept. 25): “It’s a sad day for New York City when a sitting mayor is indicted on federal charges. While he is presumed innocent until proven guilty, there is no way he can effectively lead with this cloud hanging over him. With the challenges our city faces, he must step down for the good of New Yorkers,” Holden, a conservative Queens Democrat, wrote in a statement following news of the mayor’s indictment. 

City Council Member Chris Banks (Sept. 25): “While we are all innocent until proven guilty, I have no confidence in the Mayor’s ability to effectively run City government while facing this indictment, and I believe that in the best interest of the City, Mayor Adams must resign,” the Brooklyn Democrat wrote on X. 

City Council Member Julie Won (Sept. 26): “The indictment of Mayor Adams was shocking, but not surprising,” the progressive Democrat told City & State in a statement. “Since Day 1, the Mayor has breached the public trust and mismanaged crisis after crisis, all to line his own pockets. We don’t need the incompetence, the corruption, or the ‘swagger.’ We need a Mayor who leads with integrity and discernment – not ones who monetize our sacred trust.”

City Council Member Shaun Abreu (Sept. 26): “The investigations surrounding the Adams administration have become an untenable distraction over the past several months, and news of the Mayor’s indictment is the final blow to public trust,” the Manhattan Democrat wrote on X. “It’s clear Mayor Adams has lost focus, created distractions, and stalled our city’s grind. For the good of this city, he should resign.”

City Council Member Erik Bottcher (Sept. 26): “For the good of New York City, Eric Adams needs to step aside,” the Manhattan Democrat wrote on X. “He cannot competently manage a city of nearly 9,000,000 people while simultaneously waging a defense against multiple federal corruption charges. He needs to step aside today.”

City Council Member Crystal Hudson (Sept. 26): “This Mayor will have only one focus as this indictment plays out, one that will single handedly inhibit his ability to govern,” the progressive Brooklyn Democrat said in a statement. “We deserve better. He must resign immediately.”

City Council Member Linda Lee (Sept. 26): “The Mayor is entitled to due process and the right to defend himself against these charges, but not to the detriment of the greatest city in the world,” the moderate Queens Democrat said in a statement. “At this time, he is unfit to serve and lead and must resign immediately.”

City Council Member Oswald Feliz (Sept. 26): “New Yorkers deserve government that is free from chaos,” the moderate Bronx Democrat wrote on X. “Mayor Adams deserves the presumption of innocence, but the constant investigations, resignations, and disruptions, will make important duties impossible to accomplish. The future of our city must come first. He must resign.”