A lawyer representing Mayor Eric Adams asked a federal judge in a letter to move up the start of his corruption and bribery trial from April 23, 2025 to April 1.

Attorney Alex Spiro asked Judge Dale E. Ho to move up the date so the mayor can focus on campaigning for reelection in the spring.

“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,” Spiro wrote.

Adams, a Democrat, was indicted in September on charges that he accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official seeking political favors. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and insisted he will remain in office as he fights the case.

The judge has not released any response to the letter.