New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, announced on Thursday that she will not use her executive powers to remove Eric Adams as mayor of New York City.

Hochul told reporters that she believed the voters should decide Adams fate. She also warned against a process of removal spiraling out of control.

Hochul added: “I am also concerned about the disruption and chaos such a move or proceeding could cause to residents of this wonderful city.” It’s possible that we could have more than one mayor in this city within a year.

Hochul, who was previously reported by Gothamist, WNYC and others, plans to increase state oversight of Adams’ administration and City Hall.

1776 Coalition Sponsored Double your Impact We have a generous donor who’s agreed to match all donations up to $1 million and we hope you’ll take advantage of it! These funds will allow us to ensure Israel’s soldiers and security forces can safeguard Israel by providing them with essentials such as: Modern body armor, Medical supplies, and Life-saving equipment Unfortunately, we won’t be able to get these supplies to those who need them most if you don’t respond before the end of February. Accept your 100% match upgrade NOW!.

A new deputy inspector general will be appointed by the state with a broad range of authority to monitor the city’s affairs. Many of these actions will need to be approved by the New York state Legislature.

Uncertain is how many of these could be implemented by the November mayoral elections. Adams, despite his legal and political troubles, is running for a second term.

Hochul said she is not avoiding a fight with Trump.

She said: “To those of you who think that this decision was made because of pressure by any group or individual, I say to you this: You don’t know me.”

Adams’ decision to not act, however, is still a significant victory at a moment when the city hall has been engulfed in controversy over federal corruption charges against Adams and his increasing ties with the Trump administration. This week, four of Adams’ deputy mayors resigned abruptly.

The move is also a victory for President Trump who retains a political ally – critics claim Adams is “under Trump’s thumb” – at the helm America’s biggest city, at a moment when the White House is aggressively cracking down on migrants with no legal status.

Hochul released a statement earlier in the week saying that “alleged conduct reported at City Hall over the last two weeks is troubling, and cannot be ignored.”

Hochul decided not to use her authority to remove Adams as president despite increasing pressure from Democratic Party critics in New York.

In a social media post, state senator Mike Gianaris said: “The last thing New Yorkers want is to see their city become an annex for the Trump administration. Yet that is exactly what’s happening.” “Eric Adams has been compromised and cannot be considered as the legitimate leader of New York City.”

Officials from the U.S. Justice Department have been open about their decision to stop criminal proceedings against Adams in order for him to be able assist the Trump Administration with pursuing migrants who do not have legal status.

Officials at the DOJ have made it clear that they can re-indict Adams and revive these criminal charges at any time, raising concerns about Adams’ independence in making decisions.

In Manhattan on Wednesday, at a federal court hearing regarding the DOJ case, Judge Dale Ho answered that he was not threatened by officials of the Trump administration. Adams responded, “No, Your Honor.”

Ho will soon decide whether five charges of bribery or corruption are to be dropped.

Tom Homan, the border czar for Trump, appeared to warn Adams that he would be punished if he didn’t cooperate in the enforcement of migrant laws.

Homan said, “If [Adams] does not come through, I will be back in New York City, in his office up his butt and asking, “Where is the agreement that we reached?”

Hochul, speaking Thursday, said that she believes Trump’s administration is trying to “coerce”, in an improper manner, city and state officials. She described the Trump White House, as a “threat” to New Yorkers.

Hochul stated that given the aggressiveness of the Trump administration and the disturbing comments made by the border czar, they will stop at nothing to exert control over New York.

Adams has denied wrongdoing despite evidence collected by federal investigators proving that he received lavish vacations from Turkish government agents and improper campaign donations.

Adams said that his increasing cooperation with Trump in immigration policy, which included a recent decision to allow federal authorities access to the Rikers Island jail, reflects his desire for public safety.

On Thursday, Adams answered a question about the possibility that Gov. Hochul has imposed new restrictions on Adams’ power and authority. Adams refused to answer the question and ended his press conference.