by Basil Roman
In a striking political shake-up, Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has been hit by a wave of resignations and firings in recent weeks. The turbulence follows growing pressure from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, signaling deepening tensions between City Hall and Albany. As the dust settles, many are beginning to question whether Mayor Adams’ leadership is in jeopardy as his administration struggles to regain its footing.
Multiple high-profile members of Mayor Adams’ team have either resigned or been forced out, sending shockwaves through City Hall. Sources close to the situation describe the scenario as a “cleaning house” effort, aimed at stabilizing a mayoralty that has been marked by increasingly strained relations with both the governor and other key political stakeholders.
Among the recent departures is Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, a long-time ally of Adams who was seen as pivotal in shaping the administration’s approach to crime reduction. His resignation, in particular, has raised eyebrows, as public safety has been a cornerstone of Adams’ campaign promises.
Alongside Philip Banks, David Banks, the Chancellor of New York City Schools, has also come under scrutiny. While David Banks has not officially resigned, reports suggest that his position is becoming increasingly tenuous as Governor Hochul’s office begins to exert more influence on education policy in the city. The city’s public education system, long criticized for underperformance and inequality, has been another flashpoint in Adams’ administration. Speculation is growing that David Banks could be the next major figure to step down.
Meanwhile, Winnie Greco, the Mayor’s longtime advisor on Asian-American affairs, was also forced to resign last week, further highlighting the unrest within the administration. Greco, who was instrumental in outreach to New York’s Asian communities, was reportedly dismissed due to internal disagreements over the mayor’s handling of cultural outreach and immigrant integration, areas where the Adams administration has faced mounting criticism.
Rana Abbasova, the Director of Public Relations, has also left her post amid these internal upheavals. Abbasova, who was responsible for managing the mayor’s public image and media relations, was often seen as a stabilizing force during times of crisis. However, her sudden departure, reportedly due to internal conflicts, has only fueled speculation that the Adams administration is struggling to maintain cohesion.
Tim Pearson, another key figure and longtime confidant of Adams, also exited the administration under controversial circumstances. Pearson, a retired NYPD inspector who was tasked with advising the mayor on public safety initiatives, resigned amid growing tensions between the mayor’s office and state officials regarding crime policies. Pearson’s departure represents a significant loss of institutional knowledge and experience in the realm of law enforcement, and his exit has left a noticeable gap in the administration’s public safety strategy.
The political turmoil within Adams’ camp coincides with mounting pressure from Governor Hochul. While the mayor has always maintained that he and the governor share a cordial working relationship, insiders suggest otherwise. Hochul has reportedly grown frustrated with Adams’ handling of key issues, including housing shortages, homelessness, and public safety — all of which have worsened in the city over the past year.
Governor Hochul, fresh off her own re-election and holding considerable political capital, has not hesitated to publicly distance herself from some of Adams’ policies, especially regarding the city’s handling of the ongoing migrant crisis. New York City has struggled to accommodate an influx of asylum seekers, with Adams previously declaring the city was nearing a breaking point. Hochul’s administration has had to step in, providing financial and logistical support, which some sources say has emboldened the governor to assert more control over the city’s governance.
Hochul’s involvement, particularly in response to the migrant crisis, has reportedly created friction behind the scenes. As the state continues to support city services, there are increasing calls for the governor to hold Mayor Adams accountable for what critics see as a mishandling of critical public policies. This growing rift has led to speculation that Hochul’s influence is a factor in the recent wave of resignations.
The timing of these resignations comes as Mayor Adams’ approval ratings have taken a significant hit. Recent polls indicate a sharp decline in public confidence in his ability to manage the city’s most pressing challenges, particularly crime, homelessness, and economic recovery post-COVID. Despite campaigning on promises to restore public safety and make the city more livable, Adams has struggled to meet the expectations of both constituents and political allies.
In response to the growing dissent, Adams has defended his administration’s efforts, attributing the departures to a routine reshuffling aimed at improving efficiency. Speaking at a press conference last week, Adams stated, “I am committed to delivering for the people of New York City, and part of that commitment means making tough decisions to ensure our administration is working at its best.”
However, many observers are skeptical. Several prominent political analysts have suggested that the mayor’s hand has been forced by the political climate, and that the “house cleaning” is more a reflection of internal instability than a strategic recalibration.
As the fallout from these resignations continues, speculation grows over the longevity of Mayor Adams’ administration. While he has maintained his public composure, some believe that Adams’ mayorship could be in jeopardy if the political unrest continues to escalate. The mayor still enjoys strong support among certain constituencies, particularly in outer boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens, where he has historically drawn significant voter backing. However, his support base in Manhattan, home to many of the city’s political and business elites, appears to be waning.
Governor Hochul’s continued pressure could prove to be a decisive factor in determining Adams’ political future. Should the governor continue to push for more control over city matters, it could erode Adams’ authority and diminish his standing with the city’s power brokers. Furthermore, Albany’s influence over the budget and legislative agenda puts Adams in a delicate position, one where his ability to lead independently may be significantly constrained.
For now, the mayor remains focused on navigating the latest crisis within his administration. While Adams has so far brushed off speculation that his leadership is at risk, insiders suggest the mayor is working behind the scenes to consolidate support and re-establish his authority within City Hall. Whether these efforts will be enough to stem the tide of discontent remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: Mayor Eric Adams faces perhaps the toughest challenge of his political career. As his administration undergoes significant changes and Albany looms large over his leadership, the future of New York City’s governance is increasingly uncertain. Only time will tell if Adams can weather the storm or if New York is on the verge of yet another political upheaval.
