As speculation surrounds a federal indictment against Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander could find himself stepping into the role.

While Lander had already announced his intention to challenge the mayor during next year's election, if Adams was to resign or be forced out of his role, Lander would be second in line of succession, if Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is unable or unwilling to take on the job.

Lander joined "Mornings On 1" Thursday to discuss the possibility of assuming mayoral duties, while also urging Adams to resign amid the investigation against him.

"He deserves the presumption of innocence, but New Yorkers deserve a mayor who can really be focused on their problems and not his own problems, and he's going to need the time to work with his lawyers to defend himself. We've already got a crisis at City Hall with deputy mayors under siege, and no schools chancellor, police commissioner and no corporation counsel or counsel to the mayor. I just think he should step down for the good of the city," he said.

Lander said he has confidence in Williams' ability to govern the city and highlighted that the next step would be to call a special election should Adams resign.

While Lander did not confirm his intentions to run in a potential special election, he said the city is in need of stability and said he could help provide that.

"I would get out there with some of those workers every day. Tens of thousands of teachers are going into classrooms, and firefighters fighting fires, and cops on the beat keeping people safe, and the mayor's job is to lead that team of dedicated public servants," Lander said.