**Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Mayor Eric Adams to Resign Amid Scandals and Investigations**

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to step down, marking the first instance of a congressional member demanding his resignation. This appeal comes amidst a series of federal probes and high-ranking resignations that have engulfed City Hall.

In a statement posted on X, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the detrimental impact of continuous investigations on the city's governance, mentioning that the resulting staff departures and vacancies hamper effective government operations. "Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration," she stated.

Despite both being Democrats, Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive, and Adams, a centrists who often finds common ground with Republicans, have had strained relations. Many of the officials urging Adams to resign, like Ocasio-Cortez, receive backing from the Democratic Socialists of America, a group Adams frequently uses as a contrast to underscore his political stance.

In response to the calls for his resignation, Adams defended his position and addressed the lack of formal charges against him. He referenced Ocasio-Cortez’s support for controversial bail reform, calling the demands for him to resign "the height of hypocrisy," and emphasized his commitment to continuing his role as mayor.

The demand by Ocasio-Cortez could potentially lead to more officials joining the chorus. However, key political figures in New York have rallied behind the mayor. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul have both expressed their support, stressing the importance of working together for the benefit of New Yorkers.

Federal investigations have intensified recently, with searches conducted at the homes and offices of top City Hall aides, linked to potential illicit campaign contributions from individuals with Turkish connections. Additionally, the probes are reportedly extending to Adams' associations with officials from five other countries.

This development from Ocasio-Cortez coincides with the announced departure of David Banks, the chancellor of New York City's public school system, by the end of the year. Banks is among several top city officials who have resigned recently, including the chief counsel, health commissioner, NYPD commissioner, and others.

Mayor Adams has steadfastly declared his innocence, emphasizing a directive to his team to remain law-abiding. He reiterated his focus on duty, aiming to sideline distractions and continue serving the residents of New York City.

Further complicating the situation, federal agents are investigating allegations of illegal lobbying involving Terry Banks, pertaining to contracts within the city's school system. There are also city-level investigations into problematic conduct by former police officials, accentuating the turmoil within New York City's administration.