Another top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams has resigned amid the deepening federal corruption investigation targeting the mayor’s administration. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright announced her resignation this morning, marking the seventh senior official to step down in recent weeks. Wright, whose home was raided by federal agents last month as part of the investigation, is the latest to exit as Adams faces mounting legal challenges, including federal corruption charges.
Wright’s departure comes just days after the resignation and subsequent charging of Mohamed Bahi, who served as a senior liaison in the mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. Bahi is facing charges of witness tampering and destruction of evidence. According to an unsealed complaint, federal prosecutors allege that Bahi instructed donors to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign to lie to the FBI during the investigation. Additionally, Bahi is accused of deleting the messaging app Signal from his phone as agents raided his home in July.
Bahi’s charges make him the first Adams administration official, other than the mayor himself, to be criminally charged in the corruption case. Despite his resignation and the charges, Mayor Adams continues to defend Bahi, stating that he “delivered for New Yorkers” and that the mayor never instructed him to do anything illegal. Adams has yet to comment directly on the allegations against Bahi, instead focusing on his commitment to continuing his duties as mayor.
A Wave of Resignations
Wright’s resignation follows a string of other high-profile departures within the Adams administration. In addition to Bahi, six other senior officials have resigned, further complicating the mayor’s efforts to maintain stability within his administration. While Adams insists that the resignations are not indicative of a broader exodus, the continuous turnover has raised concerns about the integrity and future of his leadership.
Among those who have resigned are top aides involved in various aspects of city management, including housing, public safety, and community engagement. Adams, however, remains steadfast in his message, asserting that his administration employs over 3,000 people and that there should be no perception that individuals are fleeing en masse.
Adams’ Response and Reelection Campaign
Despite the ongoing investigation and the growing number of resignations, Mayor Adams has made it clear that he intends to continue serving as mayor and will run for reelection. “I will carry on with my mayoral duties and focus on delivering for New Yorkers,” Adams stated in response to the latest developments. He dismissed the notion that the resignations signal a breakdown of his administration, instead framing them as normal transitions that occur in any large government.
The federal investigation, however, has cast a long shadow over Adams’ administration. The probe, which centers on allegations of campaign finance violations and potential corruption, has rattled the mayor’s office just as Adams prepares to seek reelection. Adams remains defiant in the face of the charges, maintaining his innocence and commitment to leading the city through these challenging times.
As the legal case progresses, the future of Adams’ administration remains uncertain, with many speculating about the potential fallout should more officials be implicated or resign. For now, Adams continues to project confidence, insisting that his focus is on the city’s needs, not on the legal battles unfolding around him.
