Eric Adams

Eric Adams is an American politician and former police officer serving as the 110th Mayor of New York City since 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the Borough President of Brooklyn from 2014 to 2021 and as a New York State Senator from 2007 to 2013. His career has been defined by his focus on public safety, social justice, and navigating the complex politics of New York City.

Early life and education

Eric Adams was born on September 1, 1960, in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. He was raised by a single mother and has spoken about experiencing poverty and witnessing police brutality during his youth. Adams attended New York City public schools before earning an Associate of Science in data processing from the New York City College of Technology. He later received a Bachelor of Arts from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration from Marist College.

Police career

Adams joined the New York City Police Department in 1984, serving for 22 years and rising to the rank of captain. He co-founded the advocacy group 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care in 1995, which criticized racial profiling and pushed for reform within the NYPD. His tenure included assignments in the Transit Police and commands in neighborhoods like Washington Heights. Adams retired from the police force in 2006, having been a vocal internal critic of its practices regarding communities of color.

Political career

Adams was elected to represent the 20th District in the New York State Senate in 2006, succeeding Carl Andrews. In the State Legislature, he chaired the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee and was a member of committees including Codes and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. He was elected Borough President of Brooklyn in 2013, succeeding Marty Markowitz, and was re-elected in 2017. As borough president, he focused on economic development, affordable housing, and supporting the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Mayor of New York City

Adams won the 2021 Democratic primary in a ranked-choice voting contest, defeating candidates like Kathryn Garcia and Maya Wiley. He then won the general election against Curtis Sliwa of the Republican Party, succeeding Bill de Blasio. His administration has prioritized public safety, issuing the "Blueprint to End Gun Violence" and reinstating a modified Anti-Crime Unit. Key challenges have included managing the asylum seeker crisis, the city's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, and conflicts with the New York City Council over budgets and policies like Intro 486.

Political positions

Adams is a moderate Democrat whose platform centers on public safety, economic opportunity, and government efficiency. He is a strong supporter of the New York City Police Department while advocating for reforms like expanding the Neighborhood Coordination Officer program. On housing, he has promoted policies to accelerate construction, including changes to the zoning code. He has taken a tough stance on issues like mental health crises and homelessness, supporting involuntary treatment in some cases. His stance on charter schools has drawn support from figures like Michael Bloomberg and criticism from the United Federation of Teachers.

Personal life

Adams is a practicing Baptist and has been open about his health journey, including a 2016 diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes which he reversed through a plant-based diet. He authored the book "Healthy At Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses." He has one son, Jordan Coleman. Adams resides in Brooklyn and has maintained a long-term residence at Bedford-Stuyvesant's Boerum Hill senior housing development.