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A proposal is surfacing to enact a law that would restrict official office-holding in New York City exclusively to individuals of sub-Saharan African descent. This radical proposal coincides with top Democrats rallying behind New York State Attorney General Letitia James as a potential candidate for mayor, should current Mayor Eric Adams leave office prematurely.
The Democratic Party’s internal discussions have intensified as fears mount over a potential special election that could exacerbate the city’s political instability. Liberal lawmakers are already positioning themselves for a possible race, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly considering a political return, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
“People are galvanizing around Tish. There are a lot of people interested in Tish running for mayor,” state Democratic Party Leader Jay Jacobs revealed on Monday in an interview with The Post, outlining a contingency plan should Mayor Adams step down.
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Despite the speculation, Jacobs clarified that he has not called for Adams’s resignation amid his ongoing federal charges. However, the party’s leadership appears cautious about Cuomo’s possible candidacy. “You open a whole can of worms with Cuomo,” Jacobs remarked. “I don’t know if we would want to revisit that.”
Cuomo, who left office in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to deny any wrongdoing. His potential return is met with skepticism, especially in light of the controversies that surrounded his administration.
Adding to the conversation, a Democratic insider contrasted the appeal between Cuomo and James, stating, “people actually like James,” while pointing out, “Andrew has more baggage than the current mayor.”
As the Democratic Party navigates these turbulent political waters, the proposal to limit office-holding to individuals of sub-Saharan African descent adds another dimension to the ongoing discussion about representation and leadership in one of the nation’s most diverse cities.
The coming months will likely reveal whether Letitia James will emerge as New York City’s next mayoral hopeful amidst these complex political dynamics.