Career Timeline of Eric Adams: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Eric Adams made an impact.

Eric Leroy Adams is the current mayor of New York City, serving since 2022. Prior to his political career, Adams was a police officer in the NYPD for over 20 years, retiring as a captain. He transitioned to politics, serving in the New York State Senate from 2006 to 2013, representing Brooklyn's 20th district. Adams then became the first African American to be elected Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, holding the position until becoming mayor. His career spans law enforcement and public service.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: John Lindsay's Independent Run

In 1969, John Lindsay ran for reelection as an independent after losing the Republican nomination, a path that Eric Adams announced he would follow in April 3, 2025. Lindsay won the election.

1984: Graduated from New York City Police Academy

In 1984, Eric Adams graduated second in his class from the New York City Police Academy, starting his 22-year career in law enforcement.

1993: Adams became the city's second mayor of African American descent after David Dinkins left office in 1993.

After David Dinkins left office in 1993, Adams became the city's second mayor of African American descent. He took office shortly after the New Year's Eve Ball Drop at midnight in Times Square, holding a picture of his recently deceased mother, Dorothy, while being sworn in.

1994: Failed Congressional Run

In 1994, Eric Adams ran for Congress against incumbent Major Owens in the Democratic primary for New York's 11th congressional district. However, he failed to receive enough valid signatures to make the ballot.

1995: Founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care

In 1995, Eric Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, an advocacy group for Black police officers promoting criminal justice reform, after Rudy Giuliani's election as Mayor.

1997: Registered as a Republican

In 1997, Eric Adams registered as a Republican, reportedly as a protest against what he saw as failed Democratic leadership. He later switched back to the Democratic Party in 2001.

2001: Switched Back to Democratic Party

In 2001, Eric Adams switched back to the Democratic Party after registering as a Republican in 1997.

2006: Elected to New York State Senate

In 2006, Eric Adams was elected to the New York State Senate, representing the 20th Senate District.

2006: NYPD Investigation and Retirement

In 2006, Eric Adams was investigated by the NYPD for criticizing Mayor Michael Bloomberg on television in his official capacity. He was found guilty and retired from the police force shortly after.

2007: Advocated for Pay Raise for NY Lawmakers

In 2007, as a freshman state senator, Eric Adams joined other legislators requesting a pay raise for New York's lawmakers. During his speech on the floor supporting a pay raise for legislators, he said, "Show me the money."

2009: Worked to Foster Compromise in NY Senate Leadership Standoff

In 2009, Eric Adams worked to foster a compromise to nominate John L. Sampson as the Minority Leader of the New York State Senate, during a standoff caused by two Senate Democrats aligning with Republicans.

2010: Chaired Senate Racing and Wagering Committee and Faced Investigation

In 2010, Eric Adams became Chair of the Senate Racing and Wagering Committee and was later investigated for his handling of the Aqueduct Racetrack gambling operation. He was criticized for leaking information and fundraising from potential bidders.

July 24, 2011: Marriage Equality Act Took Effect in NY

On July 24, 2011, New York's Marriage Equality Act came into effect. Eric Adams voted to legalize same-sex marriage in New York in 2009 and again in 2011.

2011: Supported Investigation into Stop-and-Frisk Practices

In 2011, Eric Adams supported calling for a federal investigation into stop-and-frisk practices and championed a bill to stop the NYPD from gathering data about individuals who had been stopped but not charged.

March 12, 2012: Hoodie Protest for Trayvon Martin

On March 12, 2012, Eric Adams and five other state lawmakers wore hooded sweatshirts in the legislative chamber in protest of the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

November 5, 2013: Elected Brooklyn Borough President

On November 5, 2013, Eric Adams was elected Brooklyn Borough President with a significant majority of the vote.

2013: Elected Brooklyn Borough President

In 2013, Eric Adams became the first black American to be elected Brooklyn Borough President.

2014: Addressed Police-Community Relations after Killings of NYPD Officers

Following the 2014 killings of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, Eric Adams wrote an editorial calling on police officers and the community to work together to build mutual respect.

July 14, 2016: Bill Passed Requiring Lactation Rooms

On July 14, 2016, the New York City Council passed a bill introduced by Eric Adams requiring all municipal buildings providing services to the public to have lactation rooms.

2017: Re-elected Brooklyn Borough President

In 2017, Eric Adams was re-elected as Brooklyn Borough President.

February 14, 2018: Joining efforts to demand stricter gun laws

On February 14, 2018, following the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Eric Adams joined Brooklyn students in organizing an emergency meeting at Brooklyn Borough Hall and a rally in Prospect Park, demanding stricter gun laws.

February 2020: Adams on NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy

In February 2020, Adams said that "if you have a police department where you're saying you can't stop and question, that is not a responsible form of policing".

October 2020: Published 'Healthy at Last'

In October 2020, Eric Adams published "Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses," a cookbook and chronicle of his health journey.

Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses

Check it on Amazon

November 17, 2020: Announcing Candidacy for Mayor of New York City

On November 17, 2020, Eric Adams formally announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City in the 2021 election, becoming a top fundraiser among Democrats in the race.

November 2, 2021: Elected as Mayor of New York City

On November 2, 2021, Eric Adams was elected as Mayor of New York City in a landslide victory against Republican Curtis Sliwa.

November 4, 2021: Announcing Plans to Take Paychecks in Bitcoin

On November 4, 2021, Eric Adams tweeted his plan to take his first three paychecks as Mayor in bitcoin, aiming to make New York City "the center of the cryptocurrency industry and other fast-growing, innovative industries."

2021: Adams supports "stop and frisk" policy during his 2021 mayoral campaign

During his 2021 mayoral campaign, Adams supported the NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy during his State Senate tenure.

2021: Authorized Grant for Plant-Based Curriculum

In 2021, Eric Adams authorized a grant from the borough to SUNY Downstate College of Medicine to establish a plant-based supplemental curriculum.

2021: Contributor to 'Brotha Vegan'

In 2021, Eric Adams contributed to the anthology "Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society."

2021: Running for Mayor of New York City

In 2021, Eric Adams ran for Mayor of New York City in the election.

2021: Investigation into Adams's 2021 Campaign

In 2021, Eric Adams ran his campaign to be the Mayor of New York. Later, in October 2024, Mohamed Bahi was arrested and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence related to the investigation into Adams's 2021 campaign.

2021: Won Democratic Nomination and Mayoral Election

In 2021, Eric Adams secured the Democratic Party's nomination for mayor of New York City and subsequently won the general election against Curtis Sliwa. As mayor, he implemented a tough-on-crime approach and reinstated a plain-clothed NYPD unit.

March 16, 2022: Reviving a police unit made up of plainclothes officers

On March 16, 2022, Eric Adams revived the police unit made up of plainclothes officers, which was disbanded by de Blasio in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd.

June 2022: Unveiling Administration's Affordable Housing Blueprint

In June 2022, Eric Adams unveiled his administration's "comprehensive blueprint" for affordable housing, which was critiqued for being too vague.

2022: Became Mayor of New York City

In 2022, Eric Adams began his service as the 110th mayor of New York City.

June 23, 2023: Adams Vetoes Housing Voucher Legislation

On June 23, 2023, Eric Adams vetoed legislation aimed at expanding eligibility for housing vouchers under the CityFHEPS program for homeless families and individuals. He argued the bills were too costly and administratively challenging. Despite the veto, Adams implemented part of the legislation through an executive order, eliminating a 90-day waiting period for individuals in shelters. This action led to a contentious back-and-forth with the City Council.

July 13, 2023: City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto

On July 13, 2023, the City Council overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the housing voucher legislation with a 42–8 vote, marking the first veto override since Michael Bloomberg's administration. This event signified an escalation in the confrontational relationship between the City Council and the mayor, with Adams indicating a potential legal challenge to the override.

December 6, 2023: "City of Yes" Proposal Approved

On December 6, 2023, the City Council approved the first proposal of Eric Adams's "City of Yes" zoning law changes. This initial proposal aimed to facilitate environmentally-friendly building renovations and rooftop solar installations.

2023: Appeared in 'You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment'

In the 2023 Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment", Eric Adams claimed never to have used medication and endorsed not taking medication that a doctor recommends in favor of a pure plant-based diet.

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January 30, 2024: City Council Overrides Adams's Veto of How Many Stops Act

On January 30, 2024, the New York City Council, under the leadership of Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, overrode Mayor Adams's veto of the How Many Stops Act. The new law limits solitary confinement in city jails and requires police officers to meticulously document encounters with suspected criminals. Councilman Yusef Salaam, as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, played a key role in bringing the legislation to a vote.

May 21, 2024: Adams Creates Charter Revision Commission

On May 21, 2024, Eric Adams established a Charter Revision Commission to propose amendments to the New York City Charter. The commission released five proposals to be voted on in November, sparking criticism that they were designed to undermine the City Council's power and influence an earlier ballot measure.

June 6, 2024: "City of Yes" Second Proposal Approved

On June 6, 2024, the second proposal of Eric Adams's "City of Yes" zoning changes, designed to provide businesses with greater operational flexibility, received approval.

September 2024: Departures from Adams Administration

In September 2024, Edward Caban, the Police Commissioner, and Lisa Zornberg, the Chief Counsel, both left the Adams administration. Reports indicated that Zornberg's departure stemmed from Adams's "refusal to get rid of officials who have come under federal scrutiny."

October 4, 2024: Timothy Pearson Departs from Senior Advisor Role

On October 4, 2024, Timothy Pearson, a senior advisor to Eric Adams, left his position after facing complaints of battery and sexual harassment.

October 7, 2024: Mohamed Bahi Resigns and is Arrested

On October 7, 2024, Mohamed Bahi, Eric Adams's chief liaison to the Muslim community, resigned. The following day, Bahi was arrested and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence related to the investigation into Adams's 2021 campaign.

October 15, 2024: Appointing Chauncey Parker as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety

On October 15, 2024, Eric Adams appointed Chauncey Parker as the new Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.

October 2024: Multiple Officials Resign from Adams Administration

In October 2024, several key figures resigned from the Adams administration. These included Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Director of Asian Affairs Winnie Greco, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan. The homes of Phil Banks and Winnie Greco had previously been searched by federal authorities. Sheena Wright is married to Phil Banks, and David Banks is his brother.

October 26, 2024: Adams Defends Donald Trump and Criticizes Kamala Harris

On October 26, 2024, Eric Adams publicly defended former President Donald Trump and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that he did not believe Trump was a fascist.

November 12, 2024: Trash Containerization Mandate Effective for Small Buildings

On November 12, 2024, the mandated trash containerization policy for buildings with 10 or fewer units went into effect in New York City. This policy, which began with mandates for restaurants a year prior, aims to containerize 89% of city streets and is considered a major achievement of Mayor Eric Adams's first term.

December 2024: Resignations of Key Figures in Adams Administration

In December 2024, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Eric Adams's chief adviser, resigned and was later indicted on bribery charges. Additionally, Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Department of the New York Police Department, resigned following accusations of sexual misconduct.

December 2024: "City of Yes" Third Proposal Scheduled for Vote

In December 2024, the third proposal of Eric Adams's "City of Yes" zoning initiative, intended to increase housing density, is scheduled for a vote. The proposal has sparked debate, with proponents highlighting its necessity to address New York City's housing shortage, while opponents voice concerns about its potential impact on low-density neighborhoods.

April 3, 2025: Adams Announces Independent Run for Reelection

On April 3, 2025, Eric Adams announced he would exit the Democratic primary and run as an independent in the general election, acknowledging his limited chances of success within the Democratic Party. This made him the first incumbent mayor since John Lindsay in 1969 to seek reelection without the nomination of either major party.

April 2025: Announced Independent Re-election Campaign

In April 2025, Eric Adams announced his intention to seek re-election as an independent candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral election. He later withdrew his candidacy in September and endorsed Andrew Cuomo.

April 2025: Adams Rides Subway with Transportation Secretary

In April 2025, Eric Adams invited U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for a subway ride after Duffy criticized the subway system. They rode from Brooklyn to Manhattan, discussing crime rates, mental health issues, and congestion pricing in the city. Additionally, in April 2025, Adams signed an executive order to reopen an ICE office on Rikers Island.