5 Factors That May Shape Hochuls Decision on Adamss Fate

There is little doubt, as far as the New York State Constitution is concerned, that Gov.Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Mayor Eric Adams of New York City from office.But as she faces growing pressure to exercise that authority, the choice before Ms.

Hochul is anything but simple.No governor in New York’s 235-year history has removed a mayor, leaving little precedent to guide her.

Doing so now could also unleash unpredictable political and legal consequences — including for Ms.Hochul.She appeared to be weighing all of those risks on Tuesday as she holed up on the 39th floor of a state office building in Manhattan to confer with citywide elected officials, prominent Black leaders and congressional lawmakers.Ms.

Hochul has made it clear that she has been alarmed by accusations that Mr.Adams entered into a corrupt deal with the Justice Department in exchange for it dropping federal charges against him.

Yet she has stressed that her top priority is protecting the interests of New Yorkers.Advisers who requested anonymity to characterize the governor’s thinking said she could do that in several different ways.Ms.

Hochul could initiate removal proceedings; try to pressure Mr.Adams to resign; bless a separate city process meant to remove mayors deemed unable to govern — or simply push for less drastic concessions from the mayor and let voters have the final say in this year’s election.Here are five factors that may shape her decision:A cautious student of history, with little guide.As governor, Ms.

Hochul has typically favored a cautious approach, looking for precedent to guide her thinking.In this case, she has little to lean on.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

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