Challenges mount for Eric Adams as he starts to regain stability post-indictment
On Monday, the mayor of New York City was informed that he would be denied access to millions of dollars in public campaign matching funds.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — On Monday, New York City’s Democratic Mayor Eric Adams encountered several significant challenges, grappling with the fallout from ongoing investigations into him and his staff just as he seeks to bolster his fragile political standing.
The city’s Campaign Finance Board delivered a major blow by voting to deny Adams $4.5 million in public funds for his re-election bid. Shortly afterward, his closest aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, along with her attorney, revealed that the Manhattan district attorney is expected to indict her on corruption charges. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump mentioned that he would consider pardoning the mayor in relation to his federal bribery case—a potential legal reprieve that also poses considerable political risks within the context of a Democratic primary in New York City.
This series of setbacks arrives as Adams faces mounting pressure from overshadowed Democrats aiming to replace him, alongside the looming possibility of former Governor Andrew Cuomo entering the primary race. In an attempt to shift the narrative, Adams has claimed that his criticisms of outgoing President Joe Biden have made him a target, criticized local media for negative portrayals, and announced various initiatives related to public safety, tax relief, and affordable housing.
Nevertheless, the difficult news of the day culminated in a tense press conference where his team sought to control the flow of questions regarding these pressing matters.
The denial of matching funds requires Adams to continue fundraising for six additional months leading up to next June’s Democratic primary—an obstacle for any incumbent, though he retains the option to appeal the decision.
The board’s ruling was partially influenced by a five-count federal indictment alleging Adams engaged in a bribery scheme linked to the Turkish government. The mayor, who has maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty, is set to stand trial in April.
The Campaign Finance Board's decision has provided opponents ammunition for their campaigns against Adams. “There is now even less of a shot of Mayor Adams winning reelection,” remarked Democratic strategist Trip Yang, an adviser to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who may challenge Adams. “He could raise more contributions, but it will require a lot of effort and time. And this adds to the litany of credibility arguments that could be used against him for the Trump-averse Democratic primary electorate.”
During the press conference, Adams pointed out that although some potential challengers also failed to qualify for public funds, their reasons differed. “We’re going to continue to work with CFB to answer any questions that they have so we can continue to get the funding,” he stated. “Even without the funding, we have out-raised substantially everyone else that’s in the race."
Adams also found himself confronting issues arising from Lewis-Martin's unexpected resignation the day before, as she braced for impending criminal charges. Having served as his most trusted adviser for many years, her departure adds pressure during a particularly challenging period in his administration.
In relation to her resignation and their reported disputes, Adams expressed his feelings in a heartfelt manner: "Whenever I walked on stage to do a State of the City, or go to a debate, no matter what I did, she would walk in the room, ask everyone to leave, and she would grab my hands and she would pray for me.” He added, “This morning I did it for her — I lifted her up in prayer,” and described her as “not only a friend but she’s my sister, and I love her so much, and I just really ask God to give her strength in the days to come.”
The developments surrounding Lewis-Martin reinforce the weight of the ongoing investigations into Adams and his team. Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, confirmed the belief that Manhattan prosecutors might be seeking Lewis-Martin's cooperation against the mayor.
Adams, meanwhile, may face some easing of his legal troubles with the administration of Trump. The Republican has expressed sympathy towards Adams, with both asserting that Biden’s Department of Justice is pursuing political vendettas against them.
After Adams publicly criticized Biden’s approach to the migrant crisis, Trump remarked, “I said he’s going to be indicted… So, I would certainly look into [a pardon].”
When asked about Trump’s comments, Adams deferred to his legal counsel, expressing hope that the president-elect will help mitigate the politicization of the Justice Department. "I think that what President-elect Trump has gone through is allowing him to see that if the Justice Department is doing what President Biden stated, such as being politicized, I believe he owes it to Americans to make sure that’s not the case,” Adams noted.
However, a pardon from Trump could significantly hamper Adams' chances in a Democratic primary, where voters typically lean left. In the most recent general election, Trump suffered a defeat in the city, losing by a margin of 68-30, underscoring the district’s strong anti-Trump sentiment.
The effectiveness of any of Adams’ lesser-known rivals in leveraging this situation remains uncertain, though early indications suggest many of them are inclined to use this approach, anticipating that voters might be put off by any affiliation with Trump.
Throughout the campaign, Adams has refrained from directly criticizing Trump, focusing instead on local collaborations, such as hosting the future border czar at Gracie Mansion and expressing optimism regarding notable figures in the incoming administration, including Elon Musk.
Amid an increasingly troubled context, Adams reflected, “I should not have been charged… I’m just saying the same thing that President Biden said. President Biden stated his Justice Department has been politicized. President Trump stated that. I stated that.” His comments were in reference to Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, and the president's claims of politically motivated prosecution.
Despite the difficult events of the day, there were signs of progress for Adams earlier in the month, including City Council approval of his housing plan and an announcement of a tax relief measure for low-wage workers. The NYPD also apprehended a suspect in a high-profile murder case.
Back in City Hall, Adams has taken steps to replace aides under scrutiny from probes, appointing experienced veterans in key positions. His recent hiring of Maria Torres-Springer as first deputy mayor received praise from political insiders, signaling a potential shift toward a focus on governance despite ongoing investigations.
City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus highlighted positive trends, noting that overall crime numbers have decreased since Adams took office and job numbers have increased. “As Mayor Adams says all the time: ‘Stay focused, no distractions, and grind,’” she stated. “The best way to serve New Yorkers is to continue keeping our eyes on the goal of improving this city and let the results speak for themselves.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
The city’s Campaign Finance Board delivered a major blow by voting to deny Adams $4.5 million in public funds for his re-election bid. Shortly afterward, his closest aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, along with her attorney, revealed that the Manhattan district attorney is expected to indict her on corruption charges. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump mentioned that he would consider pardoning the mayor in relation to his federal bribery case—a potential legal reprieve that also poses considerable political risks within the context of a Democratic primary in New York City.
This series of setbacks arrives as Adams faces mounting pressure from overshadowed Democrats aiming to replace him, alongside the looming possibility of former Governor Andrew Cuomo entering the primary race. In an attempt to shift the narrative, Adams has claimed that his criticisms of outgoing President Joe Biden have made him a target, criticized local media for negative portrayals, and announced various initiatives related to public safety, tax relief, and affordable housing.
Nevertheless, the difficult news of the day culminated in a tense press conference where his team sought to control the flow of questions regarding these pressing matters.
The denial of matching funds requires Adams to continue fundraising for six additional months leading up to next June’s Democratic primary—an obstacle for any incumbent, though he retains the option to appeal the decision.
The board’s ruling was partially influenced by a five-count federal indictment alleging Adams engaged in a bribery scheme linked to the Turkish government. The mayor, who has maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty, is set to stand trial in April.
The Campaign Finance Board's decision has provided opponents ammunition for their campaigns against Adams. “There is now even less of a shot of Mayor Adams winning reelection,” remarked Democratic strategist Trip Yang, an adviser to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who may challenge Adams. “He could raise more contributions, but it will require a lot of effort and time. And this adds to the litany of credibility arguments that could be used against him for the Trump-averse Democratic primary electorate.”
During the press conference, Adams pointed out that although some potential challengers also failed to qualify for public funds, their reasons differed. “We’re going to continue to work with CFB to answer any questions that they have so we can continue to get the funding,” he stated. “Even without the funding, we have out-raised substantially everyone else that’s in the race."
Adams also found himself confronting issues arising from Lewis-Martin's unexpected resignation the day before, as she braced for impending criminal charges. Having served as his most trusted adviser for many years, her departure adds pressure during a particularly challenging period in his administration.
In relation to her resignation and their reported disputes, Adams expressed his feelings in a heartfelt manner: "Whenever I walked on stage to do a State of the City, or go to a debate, no matter what I did, she would walk in the room, ask everyone to leave, and she would grab my hands and she would pray for me.” He added, “This morning I did it for her — I lifted her up in prayer,” and described her as “not only a friend but she’s my sister, and I love her so much, and I just really ask God to give her strength in the days to come.”
The developments surrounding Lewis-Martin reinforce the weight of the ongoing investigations into Adams and his team. Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, confirmed the belief that Manhattan prosecutors might be seeking Lewis-Martin's cooperation against the mayor.
Adams, meanwhile, may face some easing of his legal troubles with the administration of Trump. The Republican has expressed sympathy towards Adams, with both asserting that Biden’s Department of Justice is pursuing political vendettas against them.
After Adams publicly criticized Biden’s approach to the migrant crisis, Trump remarked, “I said he’s going to be indicted… So, I would certainly look into [a pardon].”
When asked about Trump’s comments, Adams deferred to his legal counsel, expressing hope that the president-elect will help mitigate the politicization of the Justice Department. "I think that what President-elect Trump has gone through is allowing him to see that if the Justice Department is doing what President Biden stated, such as being politicized, I believe he owes it to Americans to make sure that’s not the case,” Adams noted.
However, a pardon from Trump could significantly hamper Adams' chances in a Democratic primary, where voters typically lean left. In the most recent general election, Trump suffered a defeat in the city, losing by a margin of 68-30, underscoring the district’s strong anti-Trump sentiment.
The effectiveness of any of Adams’ lesser-known rivals in leveraging this situation remains uncertain, though early indications suggest many of them are inclined to use this approach, anticipating that voters might be put off by any affiliation with Trump.
Throughout the campaign, Adams has refrained from directly criticizing Trump, focusing instead on local collaborations, such as hosting the future border czar at Gracie Mansion and expressing optimism regarding notable figures in the incoming administration, including Elon Musk.
Amid an increasingly troubled context, Adams reflected, “I should not have been charged… I’m just saying the same thing that President Biden said. President Biden stated his Justice Department has been politicized. President Trump stated that. I stated that.” His comments were in reference to Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, and the president's claims of politically motivated prosecution.
Despite the difficult events of the day, there were signs of progress for Adams earlier in the month, including City Council approval of his housing plan and an announcement of a tax relief measure for low-wage workers. The NYPD also apprehended a suspect in a high-profile murder case.
Back in City Hall, Adams has taken steps to replace aides under scrutiny from probes, appointing experienced veterans in key positions. His recent hiring of Maria Torres-Springer as first deputy mayor received praise from political insiders, signaling a potential shift toward a focus on governance despite ongoing investigations.
City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus highlighted positive trends, noting that overall crime numbers have decreased since Adams took office and job numbers have increased. “As Mayor Adams says all the time: ‘Stay focused, no distractions, and grind,’” she stated. “The best way to serve New Yorkers is to continue keeping our eyes on the goal of improving this city and let the results speak for themselves.”
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
