Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is exploring a run for mayor, called the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams “very troubling” and “a sad day for New York City.”

“I think New Yorkers deserve better. And I think New Yorkers know that this administration is coming to an end, and we have to start thinking about how we invest in the challenges New Yorkers face,” he told NY1 anchor Annika Pergament on “The Rush Hour” Thursday.

Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals. He has denied wrongdoing and said he will not resign.

The mayor has said he will not resign, but when Stringer was asked why he was confident that the Adams administration is coming to an end, he said, “He is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and I think New Yorkers understand that. But look, you can’t govern when you’re under federal indictment.”

“I do think it’s in the interest of the city for him to focus on his challenges while New Yorkers focus on our challenges — and our challenges are mounting,” Stringer added.

Stringer said he is expects that more indictments are coming. When asked why, he said while he has no inside knowledge, he’s seen this “way too many times” in his 30 years in government.

“This administration has been a crime scene almost from day one. This is a culmination of not playing by the rules. I do think that we need change, and we need somebody in government who’s honest, who has experience, who knows the finances of the city and who can’t be corrupted,” he said. “And unfortunately, this mayor did not meet that standard and that test.”

Stringer announced earlier this year he has formed an exploratory committee for a mayoral run in 2025. He said he’ll make a decision to officially run for mayor in the “next couple of weeks.”