Jumaane Williams Could Be a Key Player While Adams Faces Calls to Step Down
If Eric Adams steps down, Mr. Williams, the public advocate for New York City, will take over as acting mayor. He claims he is ready for that situation.

If Eric Adams steps down, Mr. Williams, the public advocate for New York City, will take over as acting mayor. He claims he is ready for that situation.
Mayor Eric Adams has maintained for almost two weeks that he will not step down due to the investigations surrounding his administration. On Wednesday night, he remained true to his word following the announcement of his indictment on federal charges.
However, one individual has been preparing for an alternative outcome: Jumaane Williams, who would become mayor in the event that Mr. Adams resigned as public advocate for New York City.
Two people acquainted with the situation said that Mr. Williams started discussing the scenario with his allies just a year ago, shortly after the mayor's cellphone and other electronic devices were confiscated in November. Mr. Williams has been gradually preparing behind the scenes for the job.
This month has seen additional conversations following Lisa Zornberg, the mayor's chief legal counsel, abruptly resigning. A person familiar with the situation claims that Mr. Williams has also discussed potential transition plans with his staff, which includes the public advocate's attorney.
Mr. Williams recently expressed to reporters his doubts about the mayor's capacity to handle the federal investigations and his readiness to step in if needed.
“That’s part of the job,” he said. “Is it something that you want to happen? No.”
As news of the mayor’s indictment circulated, the list of Democrats calling for his resignation grew to include at least three of Mr. Adams’s primary challengers and the Working Families Party, a prominent progressive group.
Mr. Williams, however, did not call for the mayor to step down. His office released a statement saying the indictment was “incredibly serious.”
“As the facts emerge, the public advocate will have more to say to the people of New York City, and right now, he is focused on how best to ensure that New Yorkers can regain trust, confidence and stability in city government,” the statement said.
If Mr. Williams were to become mayor, his agenda would be a stark departure from the tenure of Mr. Adams, a moderate Democrat with a law enforcement background and a pro-business agenda.
What's Your Reaction?






