Jumaane Williams billed for campaign consultants amid mayoral bid rumors

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams reported inking contracts with people who would help him run a race days after Mayor Adams was slapped with a federal indictment — the latest sign the progressive pol is readying a bid for a possible mayoral special election, sources told The Post.

Williams, who would succeed Hizzoner if he leaves office, noted a pair of $10,000 invoices on Oct. 1 for consulting work by strategists Alex Voetsch and Trip Yang, both of whom handled his 2019 public advocate run, campaign finance records show. 

“If something walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it is a duck,” said veteran Democratic campaign consultant Hank Sheinkopf. 

Williams would succeed Mayor Eric Adams if he resigns from office, making him an incumbent in a special mayoral election. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

By spending the money now, Sheinkopf said, “[Williams] is telling everyone else who wants to run that if there’s a special, he’s serious.”

Sources familiar with Williams’ strategy said he’s preparing for “any eventuality,” be it his re-election as public advocate or running as the incumbent in a nonpartisan special mayoral election should Adams resign or be forced out of office.  

“While no official decision has been made, I think he’s leaning toward running in a special [election] if he is the sitting, acting mayor,” one source said.  

“Bringing his old team back together was a priority to be ready at any moment.” 

Sources familiar with Williams’ campaign strategy said the public advocate is preparing for “any eventuality.” Paul Martinka

Williams has avoided directly answering whether he’d launch a bid for City Hall but sparked speculation after sending out a fundraising email just days after Adams was hit with bribery and wire fraud charges. 

Others well-known pols weighing whether to jump in the potential race include former disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Attorney General Letitia James.