Adams is the first sitting mayor in the city's history to face criminal charges. He was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals; one count of wire fraud; two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; and one count of bribery.

Among the other favorites for the position is Brad Lander, New York City’s left-leaning comptroller who’s already announced his campaign for next year’s race. He’s long been a critic of Adams and recently pledged to end street homelessness for severely mentally ill people.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged Thursday in a sweeping federal indictment that alleges he solicited illegal funds from Turkish nationals, dating back nearly a decade, and received lavish gifts and travel in exchange for providing foreign officials with favorable government treatment.