The resignation of Adams top adviser Tim Pearson is “a good first step,” Hochul says, with the mayor’s fate in her hands

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday that the resignation of one of Eric Adams' top aides was a “good first step” in her call for the mayor to “right things up” in his embattled administration – and hinted that she would join expect more.

But Hochul — who as governor has the power to remove a sitting mayor — continued to play her cards when asked about the revelation that federal prosecutors intend to potentially slap Adams with additional charges in their historic corruption case against him.

Hochul said during an unrelated news conference that she would “let the process play out.”

The governor confirmed earlier reports that she had asked Adams to clean house after he filed bombshell bribery and wire fraud charges last week.

“I'm just letting him know we're monitoring the situation. We expect changes. That's no secret. And changes begin,” she told reporters.

“This departure is a good first step and we'll watch to see what else develops in the next few days,” Hochul said when asked about Monday's announcement that Adams' close adviser Tim Pearson would step down at the end of the week become.

Pearson was among a number of high-ranking officials and allies of the Adams administration whose devices were seized on September 4 in a spate of dramatic federal raids. He was not accused of any crime.

When asked if she could provide a specific number or list of employees she would like to lay off, Hochul responded that she would not make such a request to the mayor at this time.

“It’s inappropriate for me to do a litmus test,” she said. “This is an irrational approach that I am not prepared to take.”

The governor noted that she expects the mayor to fill the vacancies “with responsible people.”

Leading Democrats, including Hochul, still say publicly that Adams deserves his day in court, but behind-the-scenes machinations show they are quietly weighing options regarding his possible ouster.

Hours after the indictment against Adams was dropped, Hochul's lawyers began researching how they could remove him from office if things led to them having to use that nuclear option.

Senior Democrats have also discussed potential candidates for a special election, should one be selected if Adams announces his retirement in the next few months.