If Zoran Mamdani becomes mayor and follows through on his promised reforms, the city’s financial and safety conditions could worsen quickly.
Just look at the chaos and the unchecked anti-Semitic incidents that have arisen alongside budget cuts to essential city services.
In times of crisis, frustrated New Yorkers might reach out to Albany, as state law gives the governor substantial power to limit the mayor’s authority and even remove him from office, irrespective of any criminal activity.
This could serve as a safeguard, if the governor is willing to act.
However, the removal process isn’t simple; the governor must outline grievances during a formal hearing before taking action. Still, their decision is final and not subject to judicial review, a situation referred to as the “right of deprivation” by the New York State Supreme Court.
If a mayor is ousted, a special election is required within 80 days, with the public advocate stepping in as acting mayor.
The pressing question is: Will Governor Cathy Hochul have the resolve to utilize her powers to protect the city, or will she bow to the more socialist members of her party at the expense of New Yorkers?
This issue is likely to be pivotal in the 2026 gubernatorial election, with Republican candidates expected to make it a central topic.
Recently, Hochul has expressed support for Mamdani, calling her “very reasonable” and even suggesting tapping into $10 billion from the state budget for a series of proposed giveaways.
But that optimism clashes with reality.
The state is already grappling with a $10 billion annual deficit, with Budget Director Blake Washington advocating for budget cuts across the board.
So, why should taxpayers elsewhere bear the burden of decisions made by city voters?
Mamdani’s plans, which include closing Rikers Island, risk releasing potentially thousands of violent offenders back into the community.
Former NYPD leaders Bill Bratton and Ray Kelly are concerned that police officers may leave in significant numbers, leading to a spike in crime, while financial mismanagement could lead the city to cut crucial services, such as sanitation and policing.
Even though Mamdani has committed to significant funding for child care and free bus services, the city is already facing a staggering $17.1 billion deficit in Mamdani’s initial three years in office. Without those optimistic financial “prizes,” State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has remarked, the situation looks dire.
For decades, since the financial crisis in 1975, New Yorkers took some comfort in the existence of a state-managed Financial Control Board aimed at preventing fiscal overreach and potential bankruptcy.
Yet, under a single-party rule in Albany, those protective measures have weakened considerably.
Reinstating the Financial Management Committee now requires legislative approval. Good luck with that—every prominent legislative leader supports Mamdani.
At present, the only potential barriers to the city spiraling into crisis are the governor’s constitutional powers for removal.
This authority was last utilized in 1932, when Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt sought public hearings to oust corrupt New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker. A court affirmed FDR’s power as “unlimited” under state law.
The case against Walker was apparent enough that he opted not to appeal and instead resigned, leaving for Europe.
Recent governors have alluded to this power without acting on it. For instance, when Mayor Bill de Blasio allowed rioters to take over the streets, Governor Andrew Cuomo mentioned the possibility of removing the mayor but chose not to pursue it at that time.
Interestingly, Hochul contemplated using similar powers following the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams.
Some states, like Michigan and Florida, can remove mayors not just for misconduct but also for negligence. Ousting an elected official is a serious matter, yet many states have some mechanism for removing mayors who are deemed unfit.
Some opt for recalls, while others allow legislative bodies to exercise that authority.
Ultimately, voters typically have the final say, with a re-election occurring soon after removal.
The Citizens Union, a nonpartisan good governance group in New York City, has concluded that while the removal power is crucial, removing duly elected officials representing millions could be detrimental to democracy.
They’re advocating for an amendment to ensure mayors have the right to a timely hearing following any removal attempts, although the final decision still rests with the governor.
The New York Democratic Party has leaned heavily towards the Democratic Socialists of America, fueled mainly by money and resources from outside the state.
Mamdani’s far-left promises—most of which target capitalism, law enforcement, and the Jewish community—if realized, could jeopardize both the economy and the safety of residents.
Essentially, the governor’s power to dismiss is designed for these rare but critical situations. It’s crucial that Hochul, or whoever takes her place, has the courage to exercise this power when deemed necessary.
