2024: A Year of NYC Political Upheaval

2024 was a tumultuous year for New York City politics, dominated by clashes between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council, and culminating in Adams' federal indictment on corruption charges. Let's recap the key events:

The "How Many Stops Act" Showdown

The year began with a fierce battle over the "How Many Stops Act", requiring NYPD reporting on civilian encounters. Mayor Adams vetoed the bill, but the City Council overrode his veto, sparking intense debate.

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/salaamcitycouncilvote.jpeg?w=1200" alt="City Council Member Yusef Salaam in tears during How Many Stops Act debate">

Suozzi's Congressional Victory

A special election in New York's 3rd Congressional District saw Democrat Tom Suozzi defeat Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip, flipping a seat previously held by the disgraced George Santos.

Congestion Pricing Chaos

Governor Kathy Hochul's unexpected pause of congestion pricing, followed by its later revival with discounted tolls, caused significant political ripples. This decision was met with mixed reactions, and some sources claim it was a politically motivated move.

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/53378080589_d5f97917b5_o.jpg?w=1200" alt="Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at congestion pricing rally with MTA Chair Janno Lieber">

Latimer's Stunning Primary Win

Westchester County Executive George Latimer upset incumbent Jamaal Bowman in a fiercely contested and expensive Democratic primary, highlighting the deep divisions within the party.

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSCF5351.jpg?w=1200" alt="George Latimer addresses primary victory party">

Charter Commission Power Struggle

A major conflict arose between Mayor Adams and the City Council regarding the expansion of the council's "advice-and-consent" powers. Mayor Adams' Charter Revision Commission ultimately won the fight, granting City Hall more power over council legislation.

Mastro's Withdrawn Nomination

Mayor Adams' controversial nomination of Randy Mastro as corporation counsel faced significant opposition from the City Council and was eventually withdrawn after a contentious hearing. Muriel Goode-Trufant was later confirmed for the position.

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/53951172112_38d35e120d_o.jpg?w=1200" alt="Randy Mastro at City Council hearing">

Mayor Adams' Indictment

In a shocking development, Mayor Adams became the first sitting NYC mayor to be indicted on federal corruption charges, including bribery and campaign finance violations. He pleaded not guilty.

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_7539.jpg?w=1200" alt="Mayor Adams leaving courthouse after indictment hearing">

Adams and Trump's Unexpected Alliance

Mayor Adams' indictment led to speculation of a potential pardon from President-elect Trump, fueled by public expressions of sympathy from Trump and increasingly positive statements from Adams about the former president.

City Hall Exodus

A wave of resignations from top Adams administration officials followed the federal investigations and indictment, raising questions about the stability of the mayor's inner circle.

<img src="https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/865b0946-936d-4d2b-bcd5-9319b125c3f9.jpeg?w=1200" alt="Ingrid Lewis-Martin surrenders at Manhattan Criminal Court">

Trump's NYC Vote Surge

Despite New York City's strong Democratic leanings, Donald Trump significantly increased his vote share compared to the 2020 election, particularly in the Bronx and Queens.

City of Yes Passes

Despite opposition, Mayor Adam's "City of Yes for Housing Opportunity" plan, designed to streamline housing construction, passed the City Council, aiming to create 82,000 new units over 15 years.