NYC Mayor Eric Adams responds after corruption scandal involving inner circle grows

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams was back on the political defense in his attempt to get a second term as the corruption scandal involving his inner circle widens.

Adams has the lowest poll numbers of the top four candidates, but he still says he wants to stay on the job.

"We've come too far to go backwards. That is not going to happen. I'm never going to quit on the City of New York. We've worked too hard to get here," Adams said.

Adams called reporters to City Hall 24 hours after two of his former aides were among several people indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges. Those two officials are former deputy commissioner Jesse Hamilton and Ingrid Lewis-Martin, once second only to the mayor in terms of power and influence at City Hall.

"My prayers are with Ingrid, and I wish her the best. And throughout the number of years that I have known her, I've found her to be a hardworking, dedicated member of city government for over 40 years. And with Jesse Hamilton, former state senator, former employee here, I wish him the best as well," Adams said.

Adams is not charged in the new wave of indictments, but the impact is undeniable. It was made all the worse after his former aide, Winnie Greco, tried to give political reporter Katie Honan a wad of cash hidden in a bag of potato chips.

Campaign frontrunner Zohran Mamdani says the new scandal raises serious questions about the mayor's judgment, at the very least.

"That Adams continued to associate himself with Winnie Greco, with Ingrid, after so many clear examples of their corruption. It showcases what he is willing to sacrifice, and that is the public in order to protect those that he knows personally. I mean, these these are the same names we have read in the papers for months," Mamdani said.

Adams said he has committed his life to the city.

"I've committed my life to this city as a police officer, as a state senator, as the borough president, and now as your mayor. And we have not always gotten it right, but we have never stopped being dedicated to the people of this city. And I'm going to continue to do that as long as you allow me to do so."

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