Good Morning, New York! Eric Adam’s top aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin has resigned ahead of a potential indictment later this week, Antonio Delgado eyes a bid to take Kathy Hochul’s job, and a top Trump aide collapses at a NYYRC event. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Monday, December 16th, 2024.

WHERE’S ERIC: No public schedule yet.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Erie County making a healthcare announcement, and later in Albany.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Top Eric Adams aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin has resigned ahead of a potential indictment by a grand jury later this week. Lewis-Martin is being investigated for possible bribery and money laundering through the leasing of NYC’s commercial real estate. (Politico)

— The fight over the SHSAT entrance exam has intensified this weekend, ahead of a critical vote on the Panel for Educational Policy. The city must renew a $17 million contract, or else the test will be scrapped. The SHSAT has faced opposition from progressives who say the test reduces equity and diversity, while proponents say it is exactly the opposite, a tool for low income students to attend some of the best high schools in the country. (NY Post)

— The MTA will spend up to $1 million of federal money to study the psychology of fare beating. Nonpayment on NYC Transit cost the city roughly $600 million last year. They hope the study will identify key groups that are failing to pay, and provide ways to address their needs. (The City)

Capitol Gains

— In a new statement, Kathy Hochul has said that new drone detection equipment is arriving from the federal government to help state and federal law enforcement investigate the issue. She also publicly backed the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, a controversial bill that would reportedly provide expanded surveillance powers and tracking, as well as allow state and local law enforcement to operate counter-UAS systems under certain conditions (X/DanMannarino)

— Speaker Carl Heastie will name Assembly Member Gary Pretlow as the chair of the powerful Ways and Means committee, according to Rebecca Lewis from City and State. The move will take effect on January 8th, when Heastie is officially re-elected as speaker. Pretlowwas first elected in 1992 and has been chair of the Racing and Wagering committee for 20 years, which will become vacant when he accepts the new position. (City And State)

— Kathy Hochul is preparing to announce a list of crimes that would trigger deportations in New York State, as she tries to tack to the right on immigration ahead of her 2026 re-election campaign. According to Politico, she plans to unveil the full details after the start of the new year. (Politico)

Trail Mix

— Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has reportedly “gone rogue,” and may challenge Kathy Hochul for her job come 2026. He has attended campaign events across the state, backing candidates, joining fundraisers, and speaking with the press. All signs point to a potential statewide campaign. (NY Times)

— Top Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz collapsed while speaking at the New York Young Republican Club gala on Sunday night. He fell off of the stage, taking the lectern with him. Shortly after the fall, it was reported that he was doing well and not in any immediate danger. It is still unclear exactly what caused Bruesewitz to collapse. (NY Post)

— Brad Lander conducted the first interview with the new New York Editorial Board, a group formed after the Times made the decision not to endorse local candidates. The full transcript can be found here. Harry Siegel, editor of The City, said that Lander “struggled to say anything beyond basic talking points about policing, protests, or Daniel Penny.” (X/HarrySiegel)