It’s not unusual for a high-profile defendant to ask the Justice Department under a new administration to take a fresh look at a case.

Mr. Adams and former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo have both been popular with Black voters, setting up a potential showdown that could decide the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to taking luxury travel benefits in exchange for helping expedite the opening of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan, among other crimes.

Senior officials in Washington were meeting with Manhattan prosecutors and defense lawyers representing Mayor Eric Adams to ...