Eric Adams, who once declared himself the “face of the new Democratic Party,” started his term as New York’s second Black mayor amid background chatter of how he could play a bigger role in national politics.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has appointed a new first deputy mayor after Sheena Wright resigned from her position on Tuesday. Maria Torres-Springer, the deputy mayor of housing, economic development and workforce,

I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams said in a statement following reports that he will face federal charges.