Good Morning, New York! A bipartisan effort in the state legislature aims to legalize hands-free gas pumps, the first NYC mayoral debate is tonight, and CM Paladino calls for Zohran to be deported. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Wednesday, June 4th, 2025.

WHERE’s KATHY: In NYC to participate in the Axios AI+NY Summit Fireside Chat, and then be a guest on MSNBC's “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Show up, even if you're scared: that's Mayor Adams' message to NYC asylum seekers amid heightened ICE activity at immigration court hearings. The city's Law Department is blasting Trump for creating a 'culture of fear' that deters immigrants from attending court, while advocates urge the city to provide more legal support for those facing deportation. Adams maintains his administration isn't collaborating with ICE. (NY Daily News)

— Brooklyn leaders are furious that the state might let developers off the hook for missing affordable housing deadlines at Atlantic Yards. They say the Empire State Development Corporation can't "unilaterally" suspend $1.75 million in monthly fines, threatening legal action if the state doesn't comply with a 2014 agreement. The state insists the fines aren't waived, but community groups remain skeptical. (Gothamist)

— Nine Democratic hopefuls will face off in the first NYC mayoral primary debate on Wednesday, June 4, hosted by NBC 4 New York, Telemundo 47, and POLITICO New York. The candidates won't get to deliver opening or closing statements, and the topics are a closely guarded secret known only to the editorial team. Current Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent and therefore won't be participating in this primary showdown. (NBC New York)

Capitol Gains

— Gov. Hochul's lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, is already facing calls to resign after announcing he'll challenge her in the 2026 primary. Establishment Democrats are blasting Delgado, arguing he shouldn't be on the state payroll while actively campaigning against his boss. However, Delgado's camp isn't backing down, framing his run as a fight for everyday New Yorkers against the "powerful few." (NY Post)

— A bipartisan effort in the state legislature aims to legalize hands-free gas pumps, addressing an outdated fire code that bans those convenient "hold-open" clips. Supporters argue this change would bring New York in line with the rest of the country, benefiting the elderly and disabled by reducing exposure to the elements and physical strain. (Times Union)

— New York's abortion law is standing strong after the Second Circuit rejected a challenge arguing it opens fetuses up to "lethal attacks." An anonymous social worker sued, claiming the law violates equal protection for viable fetuses, as she sought to represent ALL viable fetuses in New York state. The court tossed the case, stating that the social worker lacked standing because she couldn't identify a single aggrieved fetus. (Courthouse News Service)

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Trail Mix

— Things are getting heated in the mayoral race: Council Member Vickie Paladino has called for Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani's deportation, questioning his citizenship and fitness for office. Mamdani, who is also running for mayor, slammed those remarks as echoing Trump-era authoritarianism and anti-immigrant sentiment. He emphasized his naturalized citizenship and commitment to fighting for an inclusive New York. (QNS)

— Elise Stefanik is ramping up her focus on New York politics, hinting at a potential run for governor in 2026. She's launching a PAC, "Save New York," to funnel cash into local Republican campaigns and build support within the state party. A potential run for governor would mean having to surrender a safe house seat to run statewide in what would be a long shot bid based on current available polling. (Politico)

— Antonio Delgado's bid to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026 isn't off to a great start. Following the lieutenant governor's campaign launch, a flurry of endorsements for Hochul came in from Democratic elected officials, including Reps. Pat Ryan and Adriano Espaillat. While some, like Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia, actively condemned Delgado, he still has some allies on the left, though few have explicitly endorsed him, signaling an uphill battle against the incumbent. (City & State)