Though Mayor Eric Adams might soon be clear of his pending legal case, his bid for reelection is still likely to face some challenges. A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found that only 20 percent of New York City voters approve of Adams’s handling of his job,

Ms. Adams, the New York City Council speaker, is trying to position herself as a principled alternative to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams.

She got an early, positive reception from the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, who is first in line to replace the mayor if he were to resign. Williams, a self-described activist elected official, has already backed City Comptroller Brad Lander’s candidacy but offered warm words for Speaker Adams.

Adams was indicted in September and accused of accepting over $100,000 in illegal campaign contributions and travel perks from a Turkish official and others seeking to buy influence while he was Brooklyn borough president.

The criminal case against Mayor Eric Adams has become a political lightning rod, with colorful characters across the philosophical spectrum weighing in.