Zohran Mamdani to be removed from mayor’s post? Meet the person who can do it
If a New York mayor is removed, re-election must be held within 90 days.
New Delhi: Zohran Mamdani has made history in America. He has become the first Muslim and India(BHARAT)n-American mayor of New York. But this is proving difficult for Trump and his allies. Meanwhile, Trump supporter and Republican Representative Elise Stefanik has announced her candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election. She will contest against the current New York Governor, Kathy Hochul. It is believed that Stefanik has taken this step so that after becoming New York Governor, she can remove Mamdani from the mayoralty.
It is worth noting that Hochul had openly supported Mamdani. Stefanik is a staunch critic of both Hochul and Mamdani. After Mamdani’s victory, Stefanik called Hochul the worst governor in America. She also called New York the most unaffordable state in the country. Furthermore, she also made statements against Mamdani, calling him an antisemite, jihadist, and communist.
Can Mamdani be removed?
If Stefanik defeats Hochul in the 2026 elections, she could remove Mamdani using a rarely used gubernatorial power. Under the New York State Constitution, the governor has the authority to remove the mayor and other local officials from office. If this were to happen, the balance of power in America’s largest city would shift.
It won’t be that easy
However, this mechanism has been inactive for decades. According to the New York Charter, a mayor can be removed from office after the governor presents the charges, provides a copy of the charges, and provides an opportunity to defend them. The governor can suspend the mayor for a period of not more than thirty days, pending the preparation of the charges and the conclusion of the hearing. However, this process requires a formal legal process. This includes filing charges, giving notice of those charges to the official involved, and allowing the mayor to respond and present a defence.
What if the mayor is removed?
If a New York mayor is removed, re-election must be held within 90 days. However, this process has traditionally been reserved only for cases where the mayor is found guilty of official misconduct or breach of public trust, or if the case involves a moral turpitude committed during the official’s current term. This is documented in a 1932 State Supreme Court decision.
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