NYC schools chancellor planned to marry this weekend amid federal corruption probe

NEW YORK — Schools Chancellor David Banks and First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright privately planned to get married this weekend as a federal corruption investigation engulfs them and City Hall, three individuals familiar with the matter told POLITICO.

Wright and Banks, who is stepping down at the end of the year, intended to tie the knot Saturday on the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard, in the midst of a whirlwind week for Mayor Eric Adams as he faces corruption and bribery charges, two friends of the pair told POLITICO.

The individuals were granted anonymity to speak freely about a sensitive matter.

The New York Post first reported news of the nuptials. The ceremony was expected to be small , according to the Daily News.

An education official familiar with the plan confirmed that within the past week, Banks indicated to close friends that he aimed to get married “very soon.”

Adams — the first sitting mayor in modern history to be criminally charged — pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court to charges that he partook in a yearslong conspiracy to accept illicit foreign campaign contributions, bribery and wire fraud. The scandal threatens to jeopardize the Democratic mayor serving out the rest of his term and his reelection prospects next year.

The weekend wedding is now fueling speculation the two high-ranking administration officials — whose Harlem home was raided by federal authorities earlier this month — are seeking spousal privilege, which means they cannot be compelled to testify against each other in federal criminal proceedings. The FBI seized their phones during the raid of their home.

It’s unclear whether Banks — a longtime family friend of Adams — and Wright are taking advantage of such a privilege.

The mayor, meanwhile, attended a church event in Queens on Saturday.

Fabien Levy, Adams’ deputy mayor for communications, declined to comment on Wright’s “personal plans,” but said the mayor is in town all weekend. A DOE spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

There are signs Banks is beginning to lose faith in the mayor’s ability to survive his deepening legal woes.

He recently hinted he’s unsure Adams will remain in his position, according to the Post. (An education official confirmed his remarks to POLITICO.)

Banks’ devices — along with those of his brother, deputy mayor for public safety Phil Banks — were seized in connection with a federal probe into their consultant brother Terence Banks’ role in a potential bribery scheme involving city contracts. The brothers have not been accused of wrongdoing.

The wedding also comes in the wake of the chancellor announcing his retirement — and a day after Adams issued an executive order laying out what would happen if Wright is unable to carry out the functions and duties of her office.

City Hall denied that Wright is resigning.

Last August, rumors swirled that the pair — who have been engaged since the fall of 2022 — would tie the knot . A DOE representative refuted the rumors at the time.