Mayoral Removal Powers
Does Governor Hochul have the power to remove the mayor of New York City?
Yes, Governor Hochul possesses an extraordinary power to remove the mayor of New York City, though it has never been exercised in the more than 230-year history of New York state. This unprecedented authority has made Hochul understandably hesitant to use it. The governor has been reluctant to exercise this power because she feels it could be viewed as undemocratic to remove an elected official. As Mayor Eric Adams faces federal corruption charges, this historical constitutional power has come under scrutiny, creating a significant political dilemma for the governor.
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CBS News
02:38 - 02:53
What are the quid pro quo allegations against Mayor Eric Adams?
The clip reveals serious allegations suggesting Mayor Eric Adams may have been involved in a quid pro quo arrangement, potentially negotiating leniency on immigration enforcement in exchange for dropping charges. These allegations are part of a corruption investigation involving bribery and lavish trips that has led to mounting pressure for Adams to resign. Despite the mayor repeatedly denying these accusations, the situation has escalated to the point where Governor Kathy Hochul is considering the unprecedented step of removing him from office. A key federal hearing by Judge Dale Ho will determine the fate of the corruption charges against Adams as the political implications continue to unfold ahead of an upcoming election.
Watch clip answer (00:03m)CBS News
01:53 - 01:57
Why might Governor Hochul be considering removing Mayor Adams instead of letting voters decide his fate?
Initially, Governor Hochul appeared to favor letting voters determine Mayor Adams' political future amid his legal troubles. However, she has recently changed her position on the matter. As of last night, she indicated that she is now considering using her gubernatorial authority to remove him from office. This shift suggests growing pressure on the administration as corruption allegations mount against the NYC Mayor, potentially reflecting concerns that waiting for an electoral process might not adequately address the immediate governance challenges facing New York City.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)CBS News
03:00 - 03:06
Does the Governor of New York have the power to remove the Mayor of New York City?
Yes, the Governor of New York possesses this extraordinary power, though it has never been used in the state's 230-year history. Governor Hochul has been reluctant to use it, considering it potentially undemocratic since voters elected Adams. Initially, she preferred letting voters decide in the upcoming November election when Adams is up for reelection. However, she recently changed her position and is now actively considering removal, holding meetings with top Democratic leaders. Her decision may depend on the outcome of a pivotal federal hearing scheduled for the following day.
Watch clip answer (00:50m)
CBS News
02:33 - 03:23
What is the likelihood of Governor Kathy Hochul removing Mayor Eric Adams from office, and has this happened before?
This would be unprecedented as such a removal has never occurred before. Under the New York Constitution, Governor Hochul does have the legal right to remove the mayor. There was one similar instance during Franklin Roosevelt's time when he considered removing a mayor facing corruption charges, but that mayor resigned instead. Currently, multiple factors complicate the situation: the city comptroller is threatening to initiate proceedings and has requested Adams provide a plan for governing amid resignations and protests. The decision remains significant as it would break decades of precedent in New York politics.
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CBS News
01:58 - 02:59
What powers does New York Governor Kathy Hochul have regarding the potential removal of Mayor Eric Adams?
Under the New York Constitution, Governor Hochul has the legal right to remove Mayor Adams, though this would be unprecedented. While Franklin Roosevelt once attempted to remove a mayor due to corruption charges, that mayor ultimately resigned before removal proceedings were completed. This power has never been exercised to completion in New York's history. The city comptroller is also threatening to initiate separate proceedings, having asked Adams to provide a plan for how he can effectively govern given the current challenges, including ongoing protests and multiple resignations from his administration.
Watch clip answer (01:00m)
CBS News
01:58 - 02:59