Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday at the city’s annual Columbus Day Parade seemingly showing her strong support for Mayor Eric Adams - while all but admitting she’s playing a role in pushing for changes behind the scenes. 

“The mayor has been very focused,” Hochul said. “We’ve been working very closely through this chaos and I had asked him to work to bring in new blood and new people to work to stabilize the city and calm it all down and he’s doing that.” 

Hochul’s comments come as Adams has been reorganizing his administration in the wake of his indictment, a slew of resignations amid multiple federal investigations.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday seemingly showed her support for some changes Mayor Eric Adams has made to his administration

  • Hochul has the power to remove Adams from the office

  • In recent weeks, there have been a slew of resignations from the administration. Many of those leaving have been connected to federal investigations

  • Hochul said she is looking forward to continuing to work with Adams

Hochul has the power to remove Adams, but has been giving the mayor time to clean the house before making any stronger moves. 

“We’re working closely together to work on the crime issues which are going down dramatically, close illegal cannabis shops, work on our housing plan together,” she said. “We’re working together. And my team is closely integrated with his team as well.”

Hochul and Adams did not walk together at the parade on Monday. The governor instead was alongside state Attorney General Letitia James. James again refused to answer any questions about a possible bid for the mayor. 

“I am running today, because I am celebrating the Italian American community. You know, I grew up in an Italian American community in South Park Slope. So, Letitia come va,” James said. 

Meanwhile, Adams continues to attempt to dispel concerns that his administration is distracted by the federal probes. 

Last week, NY1 learned that the Manhattan District Attorney’s office is investigating possible bribery within the administration. 

Sources said the latest probe involves Adams chief adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin. The district attorney’s office, sources say, is investigating whether at least five crimes were committed — including bribery, falsifying business records, offering a false instrument for filing and money laundering. 

“You’re saying that my administration and other in my administration are getting distracted show me where, where is the input in our ability to run the city if you can show me that input then we have that conversation, but if we’re just make this up because it sounds good and people didn’t expect me to have this ability to run this complex city then that is another thing,” Adams said.  

Adams continues to insist he can run the city amid the controversies. 

The mayor also got a blessing from Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Monday. 

“I’ve written him a couple notes saying look, I don’t know much about all these accusations, but you've sure got my prayers for the tough time you’re going through,” he said.  

One person who was by Adams’ side on Monday was Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon, who the mayor has denied is departing soon.