As Eric Adams prepares to appear in court, the number of Democrats calling for his resignation keeps growing

Eric Adams is the first of New York City’s mayors to be charged while in office.

AP/Seth Wenig

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to appear in court over bribery and wire fraud charges.Adams faces five criminal counts related to a federal corruption investigation.Calls for Adams’ resignation are growing with some arguing his legal battles hinder city governance.

As New York City Mayor Eric Adams prepares for court, the number of Democrats calling for his resignation is growing.

Adams was accused of soliciting bribes from wealthy international business associates, including at least one Turkish government official who sought “to gain influence over him” for nearly a decade, according to official documents that were unsealed on Thursday.

He was also accused of seeking illegal campaign contributions, wire fraud, and bribery, the documents said.

Adams has denied wrongdoing, telling The New York Times on Wednesday that any charges against him are “entirely false.”

He is set to appear in court before Judge Katharine Parker in Manhattan at 12 pm ET.

Several prominent officials and lawmakers have urged Adams to resign.

Writing on X before news of the indictment was unsealed, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she couldn’t see how Mayor Adams could continue governing New York City and should resign.

“The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function,” she said. “Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.

Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller who is second in line to succeed Adams, said in a statement that the mayor deserved due process and the presumption of innocence.

“However, it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city,” Lander added.

“The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands,” he added.

Democratic congressional candidates John Avlon and Laura Gillen have also called for the mayor’s resignation.

“I believe in putting principle over partisan politics,” Avlon wrote on X. “A Democratic crook is as bad as a Republican crook. While everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence before being judged by a jury, Mayor Adams should step aside for the good of all New Yorkers & there should be a special election.”

Meanwhile, at least four members of the New York City Council have encouraged Adams to step back, the outlet said.

“New Yorkers have had enough of politicians abusing their positions. We deserve better, which is why Mayor Adams should step down,” Sandy Nurse wrote on X.

New York state Sen. John C. Liu added that New York residents need a mayor who can devote full time and energy to getting the city on the right track.

Adams remains in office as of Friday’s writing. As Business Insider previously reported, Gov. Kathy Hochul could remove the mayor if he is charged with a crime.

Nonetheless, the likelihood of this scenario is unclear since Hochul and Adams are considered close allies, Gothamist, a New York City-based outlet, reported.

Hochul issued a statement on Thursday asking Adams to “find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders.”

“We must give New Yorkers confidence that there is steady, responsible leadership at every level of government,” she said.