New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday asked a judge to move up the start of his criminal trial by three weeks, claiming the new date would better allow him to run for reelection.

Adams’ attorney Alex Spiro made the request on Adams’ behalf in a letter to US District Judge for the Southern District of New York Dale E. Ho. Spiro asked Judge Ho to move the trial’s start date from April 21, 2025, to April 1, 2025. Spiro stated:

An earlier trial date will ensure that Mayor Adams’s speedy trial rights are upheld, that the Mayor will be able to fully participate in his reelection campaign and that this City’s voters can be rid of the distraction of this misguided indictment as they hear from and evaluate the Democratic candidates for Mayor on their merits.

The letter cited “[s]everal critical events” in the upcoming Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral seat, such as candidate forums and debates, that will likely take place before the trial concludes. Spiro additionally stated that the newly proposed trial date is “perfectly feasible” in this case. Adams’ defense said it would simplify issues currently impacting the trial’s start date, including waiving specific discovery motions.

Adams was indicted in September for allegedly soliciting and accepting donations from foreign agents in exchange for political favors. The indictment claimed Adams abused his positions of power to obtain personal benefits and illegal campaign contributions for nearly 10 years. Adams allegedly received, for example, benefits such as “luxury international travel” from foreign individuals seeking to influence his political positions.

The indictment also alleged that Adams received improper “straw” contributions where foreign individuals donated to his campaigns through US donors, evading campaign finance laws. The scheme, for instance, allegedly allowed foreign individuals to work around numerous federal laws designed to restrict foreign influence on domestic elections. Adams was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions; one count of wire fraud; two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; and one count of bribery.

Adams pleaded not guilty to the charges and asked the court in September to dismiss the bribery charge, claiming the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to support the existence of a bribery scheme. Judge Ho is set to rule on the motion soon.

Adams’ letter confirmed his intention to participate in the 2025 Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral seat. The primary is set for June 24, with early voting beginning June 14. Several contenders have already announced their intention to challenge Adams’ reelection bid, including New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos.