New York City Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly said he is not going anywhere and has no plans to resign, despite mounting investigations and news Wednesday night that he is expected to appear before prosecutors in the Southern District of New York as early as Thursday to face federal charges, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Adams said Wednesday night that he is innocent and will fight the charges.

“We will continue to fight for New Yorkers… I am stepping down, I am not stepping down. I have a city to govern that I will continue to govern,” Adams said during a media appearance on September 24.

Adams also said he plans to run for re-election next year.

“A year from now, I see myself again, with my right hand in the air, being declared mayor of New York,” Adams said earlier this week.

Should the situation change and Adams resign or be suspended by the governor, who would take over the city and become acting mayor?

The New York City Charter sets forth the procedure for filling a vacancy in the office of mayor.

Who becomes acting mayor in New York City when a mayor steps down?

Under the New York City Charter, the city’s public attorney becomes acting mayor and serves in a temporary capacity if a mayor is suspended by the governor, is unable to discharge his or her duties, is absent from the city, or resigns.

If the public advocate is unable to fulfil his duties, the municipal inspector will take on the role of acting mayor.

Who is the New York City Public Advocate?

The current public advocate for New York City is Jumaane Williams. According to the city’s charter, he would assume the position of acting mayor if Eric Adams were to resign or be suspended by the governor.

Williams, a former city councilman, has served as the city’s public advocate since winning a by-election in 2019.

He ran for governor of New York in 2022, but lost to Kathy Hochul.

Who is the controller of New York City?

Brad Lander is the current comptroller for the City of New York, a position he has held since being elected in 2021. Lander would become acting mayor if Adams steps down and Williams is unable to serve, according to the city’s charter.

Before being elected accountant, Lander served on the municipal council for 12 years.

Lander has announced that he will run for mayor in 2025.