Despite pleading not guilty, a majority of New Yorkers think Mayor Eric Adams has likely broken the law, and the Marist poll shows an even greater number think he needs to step down. The poll results came as Adams again visited with clergy in an effort to stem the tide of bad news. NBC New York’s Jonathan Dienst reports.
In the days since he was indicted on federal corruption charges, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has steadfastly refused to resign, frequently saying instead of stepping down, "I'm stepping up."
But New Yorkers want him out, a new Marist poll found.
A vast majority, 69% of those surveyed, said Adams should resign as mayor, while 30% said he should finish the term. If he doesn't resign, nearly two out of every three of those surveyed want Gov. Kathy Hochul to remove him.
Hochul, who has the legal authority to do so, has said she is monitoring the Adams administration and expects more changes to be made. She has said she was encouraged by the resignation of Tim Pearson, the former police commander and top Adams aide whose phone was seized by the FBI in a separate investigation.
According to the poll, 65% of residents think Adams did something illegal. That share is slightly higher (68%) among Democrats. Eight percent said they think he did nothing wrong, while 24% believe he did something unethical but not illegal. The poll also found that the vast majority of New Yorkers (72%) are closely following the indictment news.
More than 80% of New York City residents say Adams should not run for re-election. He has an approval rating of just 26%, down from 37% in November. Nearly half strongly disapprove of the job he is doing as mayor.
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Prosecutors have said additional charges against Adams are likely in relatively short order. The Democrat has pleaded not guilty and has maintained he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing.
On Friday, Adams again visited with clergy in an effort to stem the tide of bad news. At a Baptist church in Bed-Stuy, the mayor suggested his dismal poll numbers are temporary, saying New Yorkers will think differently when they "see our response to this whole matter."
Inside the church, he tried to offer more reassurance.
"I was elected mayor of the City of New York, and I'm going to continue to do that," said Adams.
More coverage
What about Cuomo?
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's name has been bandied about as a possible hat in the ring for mayor in 2025. It's been widely reported he is interested in getting back into politics.
New Yorkers don't want him there, but the line isn't quite as stark as it is with Adams.
Fifty-five percent said they don't want Cuomo to run for New York City mayor, while 44% think he should. Among Democrats, it skews a bit more favorably: 48% think he should run, while 52% say he shouldn't.
The Marist survey of New York City adults was conducted September 30 and October 1, the Monday and Tuesday following the mayor's indictment. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in New York City were contacted through a multi-mode design: By text or online. Results for all adults (n=1,073) are statistically significant within ±3.6 percentage points. Results for registered voters (n=928) are statistically significant within ±3.8 percentage points.
