Sheena Wright Resigns Amid Federal Corruption Probe in NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ Administration

"Dear Boss, I quit" note on keyboard.

Sheena Wright, First Deputy Mayor of New York City, resigns amid a widening federal corruption probe, dealing another blow to Mayor Eric Adams’ embattled administration.

At a Glance

  • Sheena Wright becomes the 11th high-profile official to resign since the corruption investigation began
  • Wright’s resignation follows the seizure of her phone and those of her relatives by federal investigators
  • Maria Torres-Springer is expected to take over Wright’s duties
  • The resignation comes after Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment on five counts of corruption
  • Governor Kathy Hochul is reportedly working behind the scenes to maintain control in City Hall

Another High-Profile Departure Rocks City Hall

In a significant development that underscores the growing crisis within New York City’s government, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright has resigned amid an intensifying federal corruption investigation targeting Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Wright’s departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits from City Hall, raising serious questions about the integrity of local leadership.

Wright’s resignation comes on the heels of a five-count corruption indictment against Mayor Eric Adams, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting and accepting bribes from Turkish operatives. The ongoing federal probe is examining potential influence peddling and kickbacks on city contracts involving Adams administration officials.

Federal Investigation Intensifies

Wright’s resignation follows a series of dramatic events that have shaken the foundations of New York City’s government. On September 4, federal investigators seized the phones of Wright, her relatives, and other senior officials. Wright was one of five senior officials whose homes were raided by federal authorities on that day.

“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 that was expected to be circulated on Tuesday. “She is an exceptional leader who assembled a strong team and constantly demonstrated a bold vision for this city.”

Initially, Wright had refused to resign, unlike the other four staffers whose homes were raided, including her husband, Schools Chancellor David Banks. However, as the investigation progressed and pressure mounted, Wright ultimately decided to step down from her position.

Political Fallout and Future Leadership

The resignation of Sheena Wright marks the 11th high-profile departure from the Adams administration since the corruption investigations began. This ongoing exodus of top officials has left City Hall in a state of turmoil, with questions arising about the stability and effectiveness of the current leadership.

In the wake of Wright’s departure, Maria Torres-Springer, the current deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, is slated to take over Wright’s duties. This transition comes at a critical time for the city, as it grapples with the fallout from the corruption scandal and seeks to restore public trust in its government institutions.

Governor Kathy Hochul is reportedly working behind the scenes to maintain control and continuity in City Hall. Sources indicate that Hochul has demanded the removal of advisers implicated in the investigations, though she has not publicly discussed removing Mayor Adams from office.

As the federal corruption probe continues to unfold, New Yorkers are left to wonder about the future of their city’s leadership and the long-term implications of this ongoing scandal. The coming weeks and months will likely bring further developments as investigators delve deeper into the workings of the Adams administration.

Sources:

  1. Adams’s Top Deputy Mayor Resigns, Intensifying Wave of Departures
  2. NYC First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright resigns amid Mayor Adams corruption probes
  3. NYC Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright officially resigns in latest high-profile departure from the Eric Adams administration
  4. Sheena Wright exits first deputy mayor post; Adams taps Torres-Springer as successor
  5. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright expected to resign amid Adams investigations: Sources