Robert Payne is the current Mayor of New York City.
Background[]
Payne had taken office sometime by 2022. (L&O: "The Right Thing") In 2023, he lost his deputy mayor, Patricia Simonian, when she was murdered by David Costa, who was trying to cover up his role in an embezzlement scheme. (L&O: "Deadline")
On L&O[]
In 2024, DA McCoy and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office charged billionaire philanthropist Scott Kelton with the murder of Veronica Knight. Although Kelton had been one of the mayor's biggest supporters and a friend of his family, Payne remained impartial at the press conference but privately warned McCoy, "I hope you know what you're doing."
When Payne received word that his son Jordan was going to be subpoenaed due to his having attended a retreat with Kelton, Veronica, and a woman who was not Jordan's wife, Payne reached out to EADA Price. Payne advised Price to accept a five-year plea deal that Price and McCoy had previously refused. Otherwise, Payne threatened to use all his political power to ensure McCoy's opponent would win the election and immediately fire Price.
Ultimately, Price and McCoy pressed forward, with McCoy taking over the case himself. With Jordan's testimony, McCoy was able to get Kelton convicted of second-degree murder. Knowing that Payne would retaliate, McCoy then chose to resign. He reasoned that this would allow the Governor's pick for McCoy's successor to be someone with integrity. (L&O: "Last Dance")
Payne would ultimately have a better working relationship with McCoy's successor, Nicholas Baxter, whom the mayor endorsed for re-election, months later. Baxter introduced Payne to his wife Julia and daughter Carrie when they attended Payne's annual charity dinner. The event was later marred when gang member Hector Canseco attempted to shoot Baxter but instead shot and killed professional athlete Matt Bennett. (L&O: "In Harm's Way")
Payne was mentioned to be one of several parties, including the teachers' unions, who were pressuring Baxter to prosecute an underage suspect who had shot and killed his teacher. Baxter ultimately followed through with the demands. (L&O: "Report Card")
Payne and Baxter were present for a joint press conference following the murder of Hudson University Professor Charles Bennett, the wife of Judge Madeline Bennett. The mayor was also present at Charles's funeral, consoling Madeline as she left. Madeline later confided to Payne that she was unwilling to testify against her husband's killer due to her having an opiate addiction. Payne, in turn, urged Baxter not to compel her to testify, claiming that this revelation could lead to the overturning of numerous cases she had presided over. Ultimately, Baxter agreed and instructed Price to accept a plea deal with the defendant instead. (L&O: "Truth and Consequences")
Appearances[]
- Law & Order (2 seasons, 3 episodes):