House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Defends NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Says He Should Not Resign

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., expressed surprising support for embattled New York Mayor Eric Adams, asserting that he should not resign.

Jeffries responded “No” when NBC News asked if the mayor should step down while in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

“My view is that Mayor Adams, like every other New Yorker and every other American, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and entitled to a trial by a jury of his peers who will ultimately determine his fate within the legal system.”

Jeffries further emphasized, “At the same time, it’s important for Mayor Adams to articulate to New Yorkers in a compelling way a plan and a path forward to ensure that the city continues to function and run in a manner that meets the needs of everyday New Yorkers and in a manner that New York City, which we believe is the greatest city in the world, deserves.”

Several New York Democrats, including Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the most senior member of the state’s House delegation, have urged Mayor Adams to resign.  Residents also want to see Adams leave office. A poll conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion revealed that 69 percent of adults in New York City want Adams to resign.  In contrast, just 30 percent of respondents felt he should complete his term in office.

Adams has been charged with a list of crimes, including bribery, conspiracy, and fraud, with more expected. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.