Top Democrats consider AG James as potential mayor

With Mayor Eric Adams facing federal charges, top Democrats are preparing for the possibility of Attorney General Letitia James running for office if Adams is forced out of office. State Democratic Party leader Jay Jacobs told the New York Post that support for James is growing, explaining that there are concerns that a special election could cause further unrest in the city’s political landscape.

While Jacobs did not call for Adams’ resignation, he said the party lacks enthusiasm for a possible leadership from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple allegations. “You open a whole can of worms with Cuomo,” Jacobs explained. , adding, “I don’t know if we would want to revisit that.”

James, who campaigned in the Hudson Valley, said she had not spoken to Gov. Kathy Hochul about a mayoral bid but did not completely rule out the possibility. “I don’t believe in speculation. Right now, my focus is on the attorney general’s office,” she said.

According to the mailHochul’s team has been quietly exploring how to use a little-known state law that could allow her to remove Adams from office. If Adams is ousted, attorney Jumaane Williams will temporarily serve as mayor until a special election is held. However, insiders see Williams as a placeholder and believe James would be a stronger candidate in a special election.

James’ potential entry into the race is seen as a way to consolidate support among both centrist and progressive Democrats. Other possible contenders include state senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, as well as City Comptroller Brad Lander.

For now, James’ camp seems cautious. A source close to the attorney general said this the mail that she does not see Adams leaving in the near future and has no immediate plans to run for office. However, her name is still mentioned as the first choice if the mayor’s legal troubles cause an uproar at City Hall.