On September 26, New York City Mayor Eric Adams took a significant step by issuing an executive order that outlines a succession plan in the event that both he and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright are unable to perform their duties. This decision comes as Adams faces five federal charges related to corruption, raising questions about the stability of his administration.
In the order, it is stated that should both Adams and Wright become incapacitated, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom would step in as acting mayor. Williams-Isom, who has been actively managing the city’s ongoing immigration crisis, shared her thoughts on the plan in an interview, describing it as merely “pro forma.”
The previous protocol had specified that if Adams could not fulfill his responsibilities, the First Deputy Mayor would take over. However, the new executive order expands this framework to cover instances where both the mayor and First Deputy Mayor are unable to carry out their roles. In those cases, all city operations and the rights and responsibilities traditionally held by the mayor would shift to the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.
It’s important to note that this executive order is intended for situations where the mayor is temporarily incapacitated, distinct from scenarios where he may be permanently removed from office or resigns—situations in which Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would assume the role.
City & State was the first outlet to report on Adams’ executive order. With increasing calls for his resignation amidst numerous investigations and federal indictments, Adams is making concerted efforts to hold onto his position. Notably, before the indictment, a number of high-ranking city officials had already stepped down.
Gothamist highlighted that Adams’ decision to issue this order is a response to the mounting external pressures on his administration, aiming to establish a clear and transparent succession plan amid the dual challenges of legal troubles and political scrutiny.
As for Governor Kathy Hochul, while she holds the power to remove or suspend Adams, she has yet to call for his resignation. On the same day that the executive order was issued, she released a statement urging Adams to carefully assess the situation in the coming days and to find a viable way forward to ensure that New York City residents receive the support they need from their government.
