Mayor Eric Adams wants his legal troubles behind him. Alex Spiro, his attorney, submitted a letter asking District Judge Dale E. Ho on March 31 to quicken the investigation into his campaign fundraising.

The charges pending against Adams include “conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery,” to which he pleaded not guilty. He was supposed to be on trial in April.

Instead, the Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump, directed the prosecutors of New York to drop the charges because he was being tried too close to his re-election campaign, which would distract him.

Adams’ legal counsel stated that the uncertainty is interfering with his ability to focus on re-election.

In other words, Adams wants to move on. However, New Yorkers have not.

That’s the real issue with Adams’ request: not only is it out of touch with legal norms, but it also represents Adams’ disconnect with the voters he’s aiming to win back.

According to the latest polling, Adams is sitting at just a 20% approval rating citywide, a “record low.”

With housing instability, a strained education system and subway crime, Adams has failed to present a coherent vision for the city.

His rush to resolve the legal case is in his own best interests, not the city’s. Once the case is over, voters may forget the larger story: the scandals, the mishandled crises and the lack of accountability.

Instead of rushing the judge, Adams should face the reality that legal clearance won’t grant him public support. Voters are ready for leadership that feels honest, competent and grounded in the needs of the city.

Adams may be eager to campaign, but that doesn’t mean the city is willing to listen.