Voters of Tomorrow Calls for Mayor Eric Adams to Resign Amid Corruption Claims
NEW YORK — Voters of Tomorrow, a national Gen Z-led voter outreach group, is calling for Mayor Eric Adams to resign or for Gov. Kathy Hochul to remove him from office. The demand follows federal corruption allegations and reports of a controversial agreement with former President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a statement Monday, the group criticized Adams for allegedly failing to stand up to far-right influences and losing the trust of New Yorkers. “Mayor Adams has proven he cannot stand up to the far-right or be held accountable to the people of New York,” the statement read. “He has sold out our city and compromised his ability to act in the best interest of the communities that elected him.”
Federal Corruption Case Dismissed
The controversy surrounding Adams escalated after the Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped corruption charges against him. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove justified the decision by citing potential interference with Adams’ reelection campaign and his cooperation with Trump’s immigration policies. The move led to multiple resignations within the DOJ, including Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, who opposed the dismissal.
Critics, including Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), condemned the DOJ’s decision, calling it “significant politicization and extortion.” Goldman warned about the implications for the DOJ’s independence and urged action to prevent further political interference.
Despite mounting pressure, Adams remains defiant. Speaking at Maranatha Baptist Church in Queens, he declared, “I am going nowhere,” and described his leadership as a divinely inspired mission.
Alleged Deal with Trump Administration
Reports suggest Adams may have struck a deal with the Trump administration. Allegedly, the DOJ agreed to drop corruption charges in exchange for Adams’ cooperation with federal immigration policies, including granting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents access to New York City facilities. The allegations have sparked backlash from city officials and immigrant rights groups, who view it as a betrayal of New York’s sanctuary city status.
Can Gov. Hochul Remove Adams?
Gov. Hochul has not ruled out removing Adams but faces legal hurdles. Under New York Public Officers Law § 33, the governor can remove a mayor for “misconduct, maladministration, or malfeasance in office” after a formal hearing. However, legal experts say it is unclear whether this law applies to the mayor of New York City.
Potential ways Adams could be removed include:
Criminal Conviction: A felony conviction or serious corruption charge would disqualify him from office.
State Legislative Action: The New York State Legislature could pass special legislation to remove him.
City Council Resolution: While the NYC Charter does not provide for impeachment, the City Council could urge the governor to act.
Governor’s Executive Authority: If sufficient legal grounds exist, Hochul could attempt removal, though legal challenges are likely.
Hochul said she is reviewing the situation carefully. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has joined calls for Adams to resign, saying New York City deserves a mayor accountable to its residents, not outside political influences.
Youth Activism and Growing Opposition
Voters of Tomorrow, which has chapters in 25 states, including New York, has a track record of mobilizing young voters. The group registered more than 1,000 young New Yorkers to vote last year and collaborated with Broadway’s “Romeo and Juliet” on the “The Youth Are Voting” initiative, which included voter registration at select performances and a civic engagement panel.
As pressure mounts, Adams continues to resist calls for his resignation, while Hochul weighs her next steps.
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