Another Resignation Announced Amidst Mayor’s Corruption Investigation

New York City’s First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright resigns amid federal corruption probe, signaling deeper troubles for Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

At a Glance

Sheena Wright, NYC’s First Deputy Mayor, has resigned amid a federal corruption investigation.
Her resignation is part of a series of high-profile departures from the Eric Adams administration.
Maria Torres-Springer is expected to replace Wright as First Deputy Mayor.
Federal investigators seized phones of Wright, her relatives, and other senior officials on September 4.
The resignations follow a five-count corruption indictment against Mayor Eric Adams.

Wright’s Resignation Amid Corruption Probe

Sheena Wright, a close ally of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned from her position as First Deputy Mayor. This departure comes as the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the Adams administration, which is currently embroiled in a federal corruption investigation. Wright’s resignation marks the 11th significant departure since the probe began, underscoring the growing turmoil within City Hall.

The resignation follows a September 4 raid by federal authorities on the homes of five senior officials, including Wright. Investigators seized phones belonging to Wright, her relatives, and other high-ranking administration members. Notably, all individuals whose devices were confiscated have since resigned or announced plans to do so, raising questions about the extent of the alleged corruption within the mayor’s inner circle.

Implications for the Adams Administration

Mayor Eric Adams, who is facing a five-count corruption indictment himself, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting and accepting bribes from Turkish operatives. The ongoing federal investigations are examining potential influence peddling and kickbacks on city contracts involving Adams administration officials. This widening probe has cast a shadow over City Hall and raised concerns about the integrity of New York City’s governance.

“We are grateful for First Deputy Mayor Wright’s years of service to the city and all she has done to deliver for children, families, and working-class New Yorkers,” Mr. Adams said in a statement. “She is an exceptional leader who assembled a strong team and constantly demonstrated a bold vision for this city.”

Despite the mayor’s praise, sources close to the situation suggest that Wright’s departure was not entirely voluntary. One insider reportedly stated, “she’s leaving because she’s being shown the door,” indicating that the resignation may have been prompted by pressure from within the administration or external forces.

Leadership Transition and Political Pressure

As Wright exits her role, Maria Torres-Springer, the current deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, is expected to step into the position of First Deputy Mayor. This transition comes at a critical time for the Adams administration as it grapples with the fallout from the corruption probe and seeks to restore public trust.

Adding to the pressure on City Hall, Governor Kathy Hochul has reportedly been working behind the scenes to stabilize the governance of New York City. The governor has demanded the removal of advisers involved in the investigations, though she has not publicly discussed removing Mayor Adams from office. This intervention by the state’s highest-ranking official underscores the severity of the situation and the potential implications for the city’s leadership.

As the investigation continues and more details emerge, New Yorkers are left to wonder about the future of their city’s administration and the potential long-term impacts of this unfolding corruption scandal. The coming weeks and months will likely bring further developments and possibly more resignations as federal authorities delve deeper into the alleged misconduct within Mayor Adams’ inner circle.