New York Mayor Eric Adams faces a federal corruption indictment, raising significant concerns among Democrats about the potential fallout for the party's election prospects.

The indictment has Democrats worried it will negatively impact Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign and the party's quest to regain control of the House of Representatives, USA TODAY reported.

Adams Faces Federal Corruption Indictment

On Thursday, federal authorities indicted New York Mayor Eric Adams on corruption charges. The indictment includes serious allegations, such as accepting illegal foreign campaign donations, receiving free travel from Turkey, and defrauding the city's public campaign finance system of $10 million.

Adams has stated that the indictment is a form of federal retaliation for his complaints about the financial strain New York City faces due to absorbing 210,000 asylum seekers. He has vehemently denied the charges, asserting that he has become a target because of his stance against the federal government’s immigration policies.

"I always knew that if I stood my ground that I would become a target – and a target I became," Adams remarked.

Political Fallout for the Democratic Party

The scandal has sparked internal concern among Democrats. Six Democratic members have voiced worries that the indictment could harm Vice President Kamala Harris in critical battleground states during her presidential campaign. Additionally, the scandal may endanger the Democratic Party's efforts to regain control of the House of Representatives.

Pressure is mounting on Adams to resign because multiple investigations have paralyzed city governance. Federal investigators are probing high-ranking city officials within Adams’ inner circle. This widespread scrutiny casts a shadow over his administration and raises questions about the functionality of city government under his leadership.

State Sen. Liz Krueger expressed her concern, saying, "He is presumed innocent. But he can't be mayor. He can't function and his people can't function."

Trump’s Support and Democratic Divisions

Former President Donald Trump has added to the chaos by expressing his support for Adams. Trump claims he predicted the indictment and views it as a vindication of his stance.

"I said, 'You know what? He'll be indicted within a year,' and I was exactly right," Trump stated. His support for Adams has not been well received within the Democratic Party. Rev. Al Sharpton, a prominent Democratic figure, criticized the association, stressing that Trump's endorsement does not reflect well on Adams.

"It does not speak well of him that Trump is complimenting him," Sharpton remarked.

Sharpton's Reactions and Future Discussions

Reverend Al Sharpton has emerged as a significant voice in this unfolding situation. Sharpton, who has a long-standing relationship with Adams, disputes the mayor's claims of the Biden-Harris administration targeting him.

"While he is innocent until proven guilty, I am certainly not in agreement that he was targeted by the Biden-Harris administration," Sharpton said. He plans to meet with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Gregory Meeks to discuss the issue further.

State Attorney General Letitia James is adding scrutiny by investigating Adams's administration’s contracts for emergency migrant housing, further complicating Adams’ defense and the Democratic Party's broader strategy.

New York Gov. Hochul’s Potential Role

New York Governor Kathy Hochul holds the authority to remove Mayor Adams from office, but the decision carries significant political risks. Many could view such a move as politically charged, potentially intensifying public scrutiny of the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics.

Political analyst Ron Howell highlighted the potential fallout of a forced resignation. "If he said resign, I just don't think there's anything Adams could do but step down," Howell commented. Party leaders must navigate this delicate situation carefully to avoid worsening the negative impact on upcoming elections.

Concerns Over Congressional and Senate Races

The timing of the indictment could not be worse for Democrats, who are fighting to regain control of the House. Furthermore, Republicans currently hold an eight-seat majority, with three vacancies in Democratic districts. Consequently, the scandal could serve as a weapon against the Democrats in both Congressional and Senate races, potentially swaying undecided voters and affecting the overall balance of power.

In addition, Democratic strategist Mark Green emphasized the gravity of the evidence against Adams, describing it as "voluminous." He called the notion that the Biden-Harris administration unjustly targeted Adams "silly and absurd," suggesting that Adams’ defense strategy shows the difficulty of his legal battle.

Moreover, the coming weeks will likely be pivotal for Adams and the Democratic Party. Thus, Adams’ decisions and Democratic leadership’s response will play crucial roles in shaping the narrative and its impact on both local and national political landscapes.