Top Democrats Consider Letitia James for Potential New York City Mayoral Race

With Mayor Eric Adams currently facing federal charges, there is speculation among leading Democrats that Attorney General Letitia James may be a contender for the position of New York City mayor should Adams be compelled to step down. Jay Jacobs, the leader of the State Democratic Party, conveyed to the New York Post that there is growing support for James due to concerns that a special election might exacerbate instability in the city’s political climate.

Jacobs did not explicitly call for Adams’ resignation, but he expressed reservations regarding a potential return to politics by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid multiple allegations in 2021. Jacobs said, “You open a whole can of worms with Cuomo. I don’t know if we would want to revisit that.”

During a campaign stop in the Hudson Valley, James stated that she had not discussed a mayoral campaign with Governor Kathy Hochul but did not completely dismiss the idea. “I don’t believe in speculation. Right now, I’m focused on the office of the attorney general,” James remarked.

The New York Post reports that Governor Hochul’s team is discreetly examining a little-known state law that could potentially enable her to remove Adams from office. Should this occur, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would temporarily assume the role of mayor until a special election takes place. However, many insiders view Williams as a temporary placeholder, and believe that James would present a more formidable candidacy in any upcoming election.

James’ potential candidacy is perceived as a unifying force among both centrist and progressive Democrats. Additional possible contenders include State Senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, and City Comptroller Brad Lander.

James’ camp is currently exercising caution. A source affiliated with the attorney general indicated to the Post that James does not anticipate Mayor Adams leaving office in the near future, nor does she have any immediate intentions to run. Nevertheless, her name continues to surface as a leading option should Adams’ legal complications result in a significant shift at City Hall.