Randy Mastro withdraws nomination for NYC’s top lawyer

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Randy Mastro, Mayor Eric Adams’ pick to be New York City’s top lawyer, withdrew his nomination on Tuesday.

In a letter obtained by PIX11 News, Mastro asked Adams to withdraw his name from consideration for the position of corporation counsel in the New York City Law Department.

Mastro cited the way the New York City Council conducted his recent confirmation hearing as his reason for stepping aside, saying he believes he was never given a fair shot with the line of questioning.

The mayor responded to Mastro’s decision in a statement Tuesday.

“Randy Mastro is widely recognized as one of our nation’s top lawyers who has fought for social justice, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and is one of the only lawyers in New York who has taken on Donald Trump multiple times in court and won. It’s unfortunate that politics has seeped into this process and, as a result, will deprive New Yorkers of one of the most qualified candidates for this office our city has ever seen. I want to thank Randy for his willingness to serve the city he loves and his time and effort over the last few months meeting with members of the City Council to discuss his transformative vision for our esteemed Law Department.”

Mayor Eric Adams

Julia Agos, a spokesperson for the New York City Council, released the following statement on Mastro’s decision.

“While we are glad to see the unnecessary conflict and divisiveness that Randy Mastro's nomination represented come to an end, his withdrawal letter demonstrates why so many lacked trust that he would be a suitable lawyer for all city officials, rather than just for the mayor. From the outset, Council Members raised concerns about his record and the ability to trust that he would be a lawyer for the Council and entire City. Mr. Mastro offered no real accounting or accountability for the areas of his record during the Giuliani Administration and afterwards that many found harmful to Black, Latino, and marginalized communities, while also showing him to be politically loyal. New York City needs a top attorney who is independent and willing to stand up when the political interests of an administration conflict with the public interests of New Yorkers. Given the challenges raised about his nomination far in advance, it should have been no surprise that his record would be heavily scrutinized at a lengthy hearing.

“We look forward to working with the Administration to advance a nominee who is unifying rather than divisive, has the trust of all city elected officials, and can secure support from the Council.”

Julia Agos, spokesperson for the New York City Council