NYC Council Plans Power to Remove Mayors Amid Controversy

Several Democratic state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would grant the New York City Council the authority to remove a sitting mayor from office with a three-fourths majority vote, provided the mayor is given formal charges and an opportunity to respond. This legislative push, led by State Sen. Jabari Brisport and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, comes in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s refusal to use her existing power to remove Mayor Eric Adams after federal charges against him were dropped. The bill would not eliminate the governor’s current authority or the existing inability committee that can also remove a mayor under certain circumstances, but rather seeks to expand local oversight and reduce reliance on Albany. Supporters argue the measure addresses a gap in local governance and strengthens accountability, while critics, including Adams’ spokesperson, claim it undermines the will of New York City voters. The proposal has sparked debate over balancing democratic principles with mechanisms for mayoral accountability amid controversies and scandals in Adams’ administration. The state legislature can act on the bill once it receives a home rule message from the City Council.