69 percent of New Yorkers think Mayor Eric Adams should resign after indictment: poll

The poll comes after Adams pleaded not guilty last week to five criminal charges, including bribery and fraud. He is accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions from the Turkish government. Despite the indictment, Adams has resisted calls for his resignation. Many in his administration have already stepped down, and when asked about that, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she thought that was moving in the right direction. Hochul is the only one in the state with the authority to remove Adams from office.

The poll also revealed that New Yorkers are generally dissatisfied with Adams' performance as mayor in general. Only 26 percent of those surveyed approve of his leadership, a drop from 37 percent in November 2023. Meanwhile, 47 percent strongly disapprove, with only 11 percent strongly approving.

Additionally, 63 percent of respondents believe that New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to remove Adams from office, should begin the process if Adams does not resign voluntarily. Hochul has been monitoring the investigation, stating after the indictment that she expects Adams to “find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well served by their leaders.” Hochul, whose own approval ratings are low, may face pressure to take action if public support for Adams' removal grows.

“We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government,” Hochul said.

The developments come as several high-profile Democrats in New York are gearing up for potential mayoral runs to challenge the embattled Adams. Among the names being floated is former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned from office after facing sexual harassment allegations but is reportedly considering a political comeback.