Since the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to remove him from office, has yet to take any decisive action. However, sources close to the situation indicate that Hochul is quietly pressuring the mayor to dismiss aides who are currently under federal investigation. She has publicly expressed her commitment to closely monitoring developments within the city administration.

According to reports from multiple media outlets such as CNN, the New York Post, and Politico, Hochul is urging Adams not only to eliminate those aides facing investigations but also to bring in “trustworthy individuals” to take their places. While she has not disclosed specific names for dismissal, insiders suggest she has made it clear that she expects Adams to appoint reputable public servants. Recently, several of Adams’ aides, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, have reportedly had their phones seized or are presently under federal scrutiny.

In addressing the situation, Hochul stated that providing a specific list of names isn’t feasible since the ultimate decisions on key positions rest with the mayor. “I’m just letting him know that we’re watching and expecting change; that’s no secret,” she remarked. This week, the abrupt resignation of Timothy Pearson, a long-time friend and senior advisor to Adams, was described by Hochul as “a good first step.”

Insiders disclosed that Hochul’s administration convened an online meeting on October 1 with numerous state officials to discuss the unfolding situation surrounding Adams. Many officials believe there’s a need for the state government, along with Hochul, to enhance their visibility in New York City to address citizens’ concerns regarding the implications of the mayor’s indictment on city operations. Adams, for his part, is making efforts to reassure the public that he can effectively manage the city while maintaining communication with Hochul.

New York state law empowers Hochul to remove public officials, including the mayor, for misconduct; however, this authority hasn’t been exercised since 1974. If she were to take such a step, Hochul could encounter significant political backlash, particularly from the African American and Hispanic communities in New York City. As the city’s second African American mayor, Adams enjoys the support of several prominent leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton and Hazel Dukes, president of the New York State Conference of the NAACP, who stress that the mayor should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.