What Happens If Mayor Eric Adams Resigns? NYC's Succession Plan Explained

What Happens If Mayor Eric Adams Resigns? NYC's Succession Plan Explained

Amidst recent news that New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal charges, calls for his resignation have grown. While Adams has denied any wrongdoing and insists on remaining in office, it's important to understand what would happen if he were to step down.

**If Adams resigns, ** Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become the acting mayor. If Williams is unable to assume the role, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who has already announced plans to run for mayor in 2025, would take over.

Within three days of Adams' departure, the acting mayor would need to set a date for a special mayoral election. This election, held on the first Tuesday at least 80 days after Adams' resignation, would use New York's ranked-choice voting system. Voters would rank up to five candidates in order of preference, and the candidate who secures at least 50% of the vote wins. If no candidate reaches 50%, the election proceeds to another round of voting, eliminating the last-place candidate and redistributing their votes.

The special election would be nonpartisan, allowing voters of any party affiliation to participate. However, there is one caveat: If Adams resigns within 90 days of the June primaries, no special election will be held. The acting mayor would remain in office until the regular mayoral election in November, at which point the newly elected mayor would assume office immediately.