| | | | |  | | By Nick Reisman, Jeff Coltin and Emily Ngo | | Presented by |  | | | With help from Cris Seda Chabrier
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Left-leaning New York Democrats want Gov. Kathy Hochul to take a stronger stance against President Donald Trump. | Sahab Zaribaf/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images | NEW YORK MINUTE: Major felony crimes in New York City’s transit system were down 7 percent between July and October last year, compared to the same period the year before. And while the city is improving at processing cash assistance promptly, just 53 percent of applications are done within 30 days. Those are a couple of the trends highlighted in the Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report Mayor Eric Adams plans to release today. RISE OF THE RESISTANCE: Left-leaning state lawmakers and political leaders want New York Democrats — including Gov. Kathy Hochul — to get more aggressive with President Donald Trump. The governor, a Democrat with centrist instincts and policies, has insisted she won’t light her hair on fire with each Trump provocation. But the White House’s (since rescinded) move to freeze federal spending for myriad programs became a clarion call for a dispirited Democratic Party that is struggling to find its footing after Trump’s November victory. And for Bronx Sen. Gustavo Rivera, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker had a model response to the spending freeze: A direct, concise statement that focused on the impact for vulnerable people. “Every single Democrat in Congress, every governor, every one of us should be doing what Pritzker did,” Rivera told Playbook. Rivera, who chairs the body’s health committee, wants Democrats to “be clear about what Trump is trying to do.” “What I appreciate about him is he clearly spoke to what is actually occurring, the impact on people’s lives, didn’t speak about in Democratic or Republican terms, but we have to make the case as Democrats that we offer an alternative,” Rivera said. Resistance-style politics that characterized Trump’s first term has not been embraced this time around at the highest levels of the Democratic Party as officials pivot to addressing issues Trump seemed to win on, like affordability. Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, believed to harbor ambitions for higher office, thinks the moment calls for the party to adopt a more populist tone. Rep. Pat Ryan has urged Democrats to support a “patriotic populism.” Hochul has engaged when necessary. She told reporters the spending freeze is harmful and backed Attorney General Letitia James leading a multistate lawsuit to squelch the pause. James, who has tangled with Trump since his first term, is poised to become a national figure with him back in the presidency. Still, the left wants more from a New York governor who was a prominent President Joe Biden surrogate last year and has the megaphone of the national media in her home state. “In a state like New York where we have the wealth that we have, it’s disappointing our leadership isn’t in fight mode,” Working Families Party Co-Director Jasmine Gripper said. Hochul has instead trained her focus on House Republicans — including Mike Lawler, a likely rival for her reelection in 2026. “Millions of New Yorkers rely on these programs—it’s time for Republicans to grow a spine and stand up for their constituents,” Hochul posted on X. (Lawler responded with some Seinfeld-infused ridicule.) Democratic strategist Basil Smikle sees wisdom in Hochul’s Trump approach. “You’re either going to defend New York or you’re going to defend Donald Trump,” he told Playbook. “That’s a good strategy to put people in the position to make that choice.” Hochul still has to govern — which often requires asking for help from an openly transactional president. “She realizes it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Smikle, former executive director of the state party, said. “There has to be intentionality around all of the battles and make sure you’re not performative in pushing back.” — Nick Reisman IT’S THURSDAY: Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman.
| | A message from Homeowners for Financial Empowerment: Short-term rentals are a lifeline for NYC homeowners, allowing them to afford their homes, stay in their communities, and contribute to local businesses. Big hotel investors and special interests want to make it harder for homeowners to rent out space in their homes—all to pad hotels' bottom lines. Strong homeowners make for strong NYC neighborhoods. Support Bill 1107. LEARN MORE. | | | WHERE’S KATHY? In Manhattan, attending Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s 2025 State of the NYPD. WHERE’S ERIC? Also attending Tisch’s 2025 State of the NYPD and then hosting his annual Interfaith Breakfast at The New York Public Library. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “He’s not resigning … Completely false.” — Adams’ attorney Alex Spiro, per the Daily News, responding to rumors that have bubbled up as the mayor remains hunkered down at home with a health issue.
|  | ABOVE THE FOLD | | | 
Mayor Eric Adams' criminal charges may soon be dropped by President Donald Trump's Department of Justice. | Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images | ADAMS LEGAL TALKS: Top Department of Justice officials under Trump have been talking with Manhattan prosecutors about dropping criminal charges against Adams, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions, POLITICO reports. The conversations between the DOJ and both the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the mayor’s legal team were first reported by The New York Times. Spiro, Adams’ lawyer, even suggested that the mayor used the city’s cooperation with Trump’s immigration crackdown as a bargaining chip, the Times reported — though Spiro called that “a complete lie.” Adams is facing a five-count bribery case that he has characterized as political retribution from the Biden administration for his criticisms of the former president’s handling of immigration. He pleaded not guilty in September. Trump has openly considered pardoning the Democratic mayor, who has made an effort in recent weeks to warm up to him. Dropping the case altogether presents a better political position for the big-city Democrat as he faces a tough road to reelection since it clears him of standing trial just two months before voters head to the polls. There is no indication that federal prosecutors are going to drop the case, however, a person familiar with the matter told NBC News. The primary is scheduled for June 24. — Joe Anuta
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The seven candidates made their case to be the next New York City mayor at B'nai Jeshurun synagogue. | Cris Seda Chabrier/POLITICO | RIVALS CONVENE: Affordability and crime were the top issues Wednesday night, as mayoral contenders gathered for a forum in a synagogue on the Upper West Side — a bastion of liberal Democrats. Seven mayoral candidates proposed plans to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living in the city and address voter’s concerns over crime — particularly violent crime on the subways. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani touted his proposal for free buses, rent freezes and city-run grocery stores. Every candidate supported free tuition at CUNY. Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer proposed building housing in vacant lots. His successor, Brad Lander, advocated for including commercial real estate in housing plans — and creating commercial rent stabilization for small businesses. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie said the city must focus on permanent housing, rather than temporary shelters. Two people on everyone’s mind did not show up to the forum, which was hosted by three Democratic clubs — Adams, who has said he’ll run for reelection despite his legal, financial and political troubles, and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is eyeing a challenge to him. Every candidate in attendance supported increasing police presence on streets and in subways. One area of disagreement was on a possible mask ban. Whitney Tilson — the only candidate with no history in politics — favored it due to rising antisemitism in universities. Stringer agreed it should be banned if the person bearing a face covering is engaging in hate speech. Lander, Mandani, Michael Blake and state Sen. Jessica Ramos opposed. Myrie suggested banning masks in the case of someone committing a crime. The candidates were also united in their criticism of Adams and promised to fight Trump. “You have a 34-time convicted felon that we gotta be actually fighting against and you have a mayor that won't do it at all because he's afraid about trying to stay out of jail, so first you gotta call him what he is. He's a fascist. He doesn't care at all about New York and he's not trying to help us in any regard,” said Blake in reference to Trump. — Cris Seda Chabrier More from the city: — Former FDNY Chief Anthony Saccavino pleaded guilty to accepting bribes for speeding up inspections for businesses. (Daily News) — Mayoral candidate Zellnor Myrie wants to hire 3,000 more cops — a shift to the center for a left-leaning legislator. (The New York Times) — The New York State Tenant Bloc is a new group planning to support mayoral candidates backing policies like a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments. (City & State)
| | | | A message from Homeowners for Financial Empowerment:  
| | | | | NEW FROM PLANET ALBANY | | | 
State Sen. Julia Salazar and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher are leading an effort to reform prison oversight after the death of Robert Brooks in Marcy Correctional Facility. | Courtesy of the New York State Senate | BATTLE FOR MARCY: State lawmakers pressing for the closure of Marcy Correctional Facility are training their ire on a little-known prison commission controlled by the governor. Sen. Julia Salazar, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and left-leaning criminal justice advocates want to overhaul the state Commission of Correction, a watchdog entity that is yet to weigh in on the death of Robert Brooks. Advocates are unhappy that the commission met Wednesday without mention of Brooks, an inmate who died last year after being severely beaten by Marcy corrections officers. Hochul has condemned Brooks’ death and appointed Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick as the special prosecutor to investigate. The Salazar-Gallagher bill would expand the three-person commission to nine members. It would also expand the power to nominate commissioners to include the state Legislature as well as the Correctional Association of New York, an independent advocacy group. “Regarding the legacy of violences withheld behind the walls of New York State’s prisons, this change in oversight is simple common sense,” Salazar said. Commission spokesperson Kirstan Conley defended the panel. “It is respecting the process and does not comment while criminal investigations are pending,” Conley said in a statement. “In coordination with law enforcement, the Commission and Medical Review Board are investigating the death of Mr. Brooks.” She added the commission takes prison safety and health seriously. “Members take allegations of detainee abuse extremely seriously, and staff monitor complaints, grievances, and reported significant facility incidents, using statutory enforcement power to ensure the remediation of facility deficiencies,” Conley said. — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa defended her $155,000 raise to lawmakers. (Times Union) — The New York Power Authority CEO is running afoul of socialists over a renewables plan. (POLITICO Pro) — Republicans want to make the electric school bus mandate optional. (Times Union)
| | KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION | | | 
Former Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison. | Adam Gray/Getty Images | PRISON BARS BOB: Former New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison Wednesday by a federal judge, POLITICO reports. The sentence, handed down in a Manhattan courtroom by the U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Stein, would make Menendez one of just a few senators in history to be sent to prison. Before he was sentenced, Menendez, 71, and his attorney were chastened, contrite and asked for mercy — arguing he’d already been punished, having lost public office and being subjected to widespread mockery as “Gold Bar Bob” because of the illicit gold bars and cash prosecutors say he accepted as bribery payments. Then outside the courtroom, Menendez had a different tone entirely. In a speech in front of the courthouse, he blasted prosecutors from the Southern District of New York, calling the charges and evidence used against him “outrageous.” The remarkable attack on the prosecutors may be a play for a pardon from President Donald Trump, similar to the approach Adams appears to be taking as he also fights charges against him in the Southern District. A jury last summer found Menendez guilty of bribery, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, obstruction of justice, extortion and conspiring to commit those crimes along with a pair of businesspeople — who were also sentenced on Wednesday during separate hearings. — Ry Rivard More from Congress: — The Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA. (POLITICO) — Rep. Ritchie Torres wants tax breaks for lead pipe water filters. (Gothamist) — AOC is embracing her role as a leading Trump critic. (The Hill)
| | | | New Year. New Washington. New Playbook. With intensified congressional coverage and even faster delivery of policy scoops, POLITICO’s reimagined Playbook Newsletter ensures you’re always ahead of the conversation. Sign up today. | | | | | | | NEW YORK STATE OF MIND | | —Trump hired the elite law firm Sullivan & Cromwell to appeal his criminal conviction in the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s hush money case. (POLITICO) — Disgraced former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein is not a fan of Rikers. (New York Post) — The findings of a Department of Justice investigation into sexual assault in the NYPD are yet to be released. (NY1)
| | A message from Homeowners for Financial Empowerment: Owning a home in NYC has always been a dream. But with skyrocketing costs and high mortgage rates, that dream is slipping away for too many. Short-term rentals were a lifeline for NYC homeowners who now find themselves more vulnerable than ever. Under Local Law 18, one- and two-family homeowners who relied on home sharing to maintain and stay in their homes experienced devastating financial losses, facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, being forced to come out of retirement, and even to leave NYC. Small, neighborhood homeowners who live in their homes full-time deserve a say over how and when to rent out space in their homes. Big hotel investors and special interests want to make it harder for homeowners—all to pad hotels' bottom lines. Help homeowners save their homes and communities. LEARN MORE. | | | | | SOCIAL DATA | | SOCIAL DATA
Edited by Daniel Lippman MAKING MOVES: Miguel Arreola is the new communications director for New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. He was previously senior deputy communications director in Hochul’s office … Amanda Eisenberg has joined Manatt Health as consultant. She was previously at DKC and is a POLITICO New York alum HAPPY BIRTHDAY: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin … Rev. Floyd Flake … Lenny Markh … Lizzie Grubman … DFS’s Kate Powers … NBC’s Natasha Korecki and Sarah Mimms … MSNBC’s Chris Jansing … Jeff Naft of Senate Banking (3-0) … Barrett Williams … Jack Pretto Missed Wednesday’s New York Playbook PM? We forgive you. Read it here. | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
