Eric Adams is the 110th mayor of New York City, a position he has held since 2022. A moderate Democrat, Adams had a long career in law enforcement, serving over 20 years in the New York City Transit Police and the NYPD, retiring as a captain. His political journey includes serving as a New York State Senator from 2006 to 2013, representing Brooklyn's 20th district. He then became Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, making history as the first African-American to hold the office. Adams was re-elected to the Borough President position in 2017.
Eric Adams' mother, Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter, was born in 1938. She worked double shifts as a housecleaner and had received only a third-grade education.
Eric Leroy Adams was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn on September 1, 1960.
In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled in Engel v. Vitale that school prayer was unconstitutional, a decision later criticized by Eric Adams.
In 1968, Adams' mother saved up enough money to buy a house and move the family to South Jamaica, Queens.
Adams graduated from Bayside High School in Queens in January 1979.
Adams graduated from the New York City Police Academy in 1984, ranking second in his class.
In 1986, while working as a plainclothes officer, Adams was mistaken for a suspect by white police officers who drew their guns on him.
During the 1993 mayoral election, Adams made a controversial comment about New York State Comptroller candidate Herman Badillo, suggesting that Badillo's concern for the Hispanic community would be better demonstrated by marrying a Hispanic woman instead of his white Jewish wife. This comment stirred controversy in the election.
In 1993, Eric Adams allegedly drove a female colleague to a vacant lot and demanded oral sex in exchange for career assistance. When she refused, he allegedly forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg. This incident was part of a later lawsuit filed in 2023.
In 1993, Eric Adams became the second mayor of African descent in New York City's history, following David Dinkins.
In 1994, Adams ran for Congress in New York's 11th congressional district against incumbent Major Owens. He condemned Owens for criticizing Louis Farrakhan. However, he failed to secure a place on the ballot due to insufficient valid signatures.
In 1995, following Rudy Giuliani's election as Mayor, Adams co-founded '100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care'. This advocacy group for black police officers aimed to achieve criminal justice reform and often spoke out against police brutality and racial profiling.
In 1997, Adams switched his political affiliation to the Republican party in a move he described as a protest against inadequate Democratic leadership.
The year 1999 marked the last time New York lawmakers received a pay raise before Adams and others advocated for one in 2007.
In 2000, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights labeled the NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy as racial profiling, setting the stage for ongoing debate and reform efforts.
In 2001, after a brief period as a registered Republican, Adams rejoined the Democratic party.
Adams entered politics in 2006 when he was elected to the New York State Senate.
In 2006, after being investigated for publicly criticizing Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Adams retired from the police force with the rank of captain.
As a freshman state senator in 2007, Adams joined other legislators in requesting a pay raise for New York lawmakers, who hadn't received a raise since 1999. During his speech supporting the pay raise, he famously declared, "show me the money."
In 2009, Adams played a key role in brokering a compromise to nominate John L. Sampson as the Minority Leader of the New York State Senate during a period of political standoff. That same year, he emerged as a strong advocate for marriage equality, voting in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in New York and actively speaking in support of the freedom to marry.
In February 2010, Adams faced scrutiny for his involvement in selecting an operator for the Aqueduct Racetrack, with allegations of leaked information and inappropriate fundraising. While he denied any wrongdoing, the incident sparked controversy. Additionally, he was among a small group of senators who voted against expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate after his assault conviction, a decision that drew further criticism.
On July 24, 2011, New York's Marriage Equality Act came into effect after years of advocacy from Adams and other supporters. This landmark legislation legalized same-sex marriage in the state.
In 2011, Adams intensified his opposition to the NYPD's controversial "stop and frisk" policy, calling for a federal investigation into its practices and advocating for legislation to protect the privacy of individuals stopped but not charged.
On March 12, 2012, in a powerful display of solidarity, Adams and other state lawmakers wore hooded sweatshirts in the legislative chamber to protest the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager killed in Florida, drawing attention to racial profiling and gun violence.
On November 5, 2013, Adams secured a landslide victory, becoming Brooklyn Borough President with an overwhelming majority of the vote.
In November 2013, Adams was elected Brooklyn Borough President, becoming the first African-American to hold the position. He would serve in this role until 2022.
Adams' time in the New York State Senate ended in 2013 when he was elected as the Brooklyn Borough President.
In 2014, Adams navigated a delicate balance, criticizing police brutality in the Eric Garner and Glen Grays cases while urging for understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and the community following the tragic killing of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos.
In 2014, Philip Banks III, who later served as deputy mayor for public safety under Eric Adams, was the subject of a federal investigation by the FBI.
In 2014, Adams founded the One Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit organization intended to support community programs. However, it attracted criticism and investigations for potential conflicts of interest and improper fundraising practices, casting a shadow over Adams's efforts.
On July 14, 2016, the New York City Council, with Adams's leadership, passed a bill mandating the provision of lactation rooms in municipal buildings, promoting breastfeeding and supporting working mothers.
Following a personal diagnosis of type two diabetes in 2016, Adams transformed his health journey into a public advocacy campaign. He embraced and promoted a plant-based diet and a healthier lifestyle, advocating for similar changes in schools and public policy.
In 2016, after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Eric Adams switched to a plant-based diet. He eliminated animal products, processed sugars, and other unhealthy foods, leading to significant health improvements, including reversing his diabetes within six months.
In 2016, the Department of Investigation (DOI) uncovered Adams's office's improper licensing of Brooklyn Borough Hall for a Mayor's Office event, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his administration and raising concerns about ethical conduct.
In November 2017, Adams was reelected for a second term as Brooklyn Borough President.
In 2017, Adams's popularity remained strong, and he was re-elected as Brooklyn Borough President with a commanding majority, solidifying his leadership role in the borough.
In the wake of the devastating school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018, Adams stood in solidarity with students demanding stricter gun control measures. That same month, after a violent attack on a correctional officer at Rikers Island, he advocated for harsher prison measures, including the reinstatement of solitary confinement.
In 2019, Eric Adams made controversial remarks about being a better cop than his 'cracker' colleagues, which later resurfaced and led to public backlash.
In February 2020, Adams reignited the debate on policing by expressing support for a modified version of the controversial stop-and-frisk policy, arguing that it could be a responsible form of crime prevention if implemented fairly. This stance drew both praise and criticism, highlighting the complexities of balancing public safety with concerns about racial profiling.
In October 2020, Mayor Eric Adams published 'Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses,' which chronicles his health journey and promotes a plant-based diet. The book serves as both a memoir and a guide to healthier living.
On November 17, 2020, Adams formally declared his candidacy for Mayor of New York City in the 2021 election, setting the stage for a highly contested race.
Shortly after launching his mayoral bid on November 20, 2020, Adams faced criticism for attending an indoor fundraiser, violating COVID-19 safety guidelines and raising questions about his judgment during the ongoing pandemic.
In 2020, the plainclothes police unit in New York City was disbanded by Mayor de Blasio following the murder of George Floyd.
In May 2021, a Turkish immigrant-run construction company that supported Mayor Eric Adams' campaign was investigated by the FBI. The investigation was part of a broader probe into alleged Turkish government influence over New York City authorities.
In July 2021, following his Democratic primary nomination, Mayor Eric Adams contacted then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to request approval for the Turkish consulate to occupy a building in Manhattan despite safety concerns. This contact became part of an FBI investigation into potential Turkish government influence.
In August 2021, following his mayoral victory, Adams initiated the transition process by appointing Sheena Wright, a prominent figure in the nonprofit sector, as the chair of his transition team.
In October 2021, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate was introduced for New York City municipal workers, which was upheld by Eric Adams upon becoming mayor.
On November 2, 2021, Adams achieved a significant victory, being elected Mayor of New York City. He defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa by a substantial margin, marking a turning point in his political career.
On November 4, 2021, Eric Adams announced on Twitter that he planned to take his first three paychecks as Mayor in bitcoin. He also declared that New York City would become 'the center of the cryptocurrency industry and other fast-growing, innovative industries.'
On December 2, 2021, Eric Adams traveled to Ghana, where he visited the historic Elmina Castle.
On December 30, 2021, Eric Adams sought a waiver to hire his brother, Bernard, for a $210,000 job in the NYPD as his personal security detail. This decision led to accusations of nepotism.
In 2021, Adams, a staunch advocate for plant-based nutrition, awarded a grant to SUNY Downstate College of Medicine to develop a plant-based supplemental curriculum, demonstrating his commitment to incorporating these principles into healthcare education.
Throughout his 2021 mayoral campaign, Adams faced criticism for his evolving stance on issues like stop-and-frisk, which he had previously opposed. He emerged as a frontrunner as concerns about crime in New York City took center stage, capitalizing on his experience as a former police officer to present himself as a tough-on-crime candidate.
In 2021, Eric Adams won the New York City mayoral election, defeating Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in a landslide victory.
Eric Adams' mother, Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter passed away in 2021.
In 2021, Mayor Eric Adams contributed to the anthology 'Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society,' sharing his insights on food and health. His contribution is part of his broader advocacy for plant-based diets and healthier lifestyles.
On January 1, 2022, shortly after midnight, Eric Adams was sworn in as the mayor of New York City.
On February 14, 2022, 1,430 New York City municipal workers were fired for refusing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which had been introduced by Adams's predecessor but maintained by Adams.
In February 2022, a video of Eric Adams from 2019 leaked in which he made controversial remarks about being a better cop than his 'cracker' colleagues. Adams publicly apologized for his comments, stating that New Yorkers should expect more from him.
In February 2022, questions emerged about Mayor Eric Adams' adherence to a vegan diet after he was reportedly seen eating fish in public. Adams clarified that while he follows a plant-based diet, he occasionally eats fish, describing himself as 'perfectly imperfect.'
On February 23, 2022, Eric Adams urged New York City companies to rescind remote work policies introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for in-person workers to support local businesses.
In March 2022, Eric Adams ended the city's vaccine mandate for indoor settings and the mask mandate in public schools while maintaining the vaccine mandate for private-sector employees with an exemption for athletes and performers.
On March 16, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams officially revived a police unit made up of plainclothes officers, which had been disbanded in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. This move was in response to rising crime rates.
On April 11, 2022, Eric Adams tested positive for COVID-19 and entered quarantine for ten days. During this period, he responded virtually to a subway shooting in Brooklyn and discussed implementing metal detectors in the subway system.
On June 7, 2022, a poll conducted by Siena College found that Eric Adams's approval rating had dropped to 29%, with 76% of New Yorkers expressing concerns about becoming victims of violent crime.
In June 2022, Eric Adams presented his administration's 'comprehensive blueprint' for affordable housing. However, the plan faced criticism for its vagueness and lack of specific proposals for rezoning or new housing units.
In December 2022, Eric Adams, along with several notable figures, hosted the '15 Days of Light' event at Carnegie Hall to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Adams highlighted the impact of social media on spreading hatred and called for accountability from social media companies.
In 2022, Eric Adams took office as the 110th mayor of New York City.
In 2022, Eric Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed to move city retirees from traditional Medicare to a privately run Medicare Advantage plan. This deal, led by DC 37 and the UFT, faced protests from many city retirees.
In February 2023, at an interfaith breakfast, Eric Adams expressed his disagreement with the concept of separation of church and state and criticized the Supreme Court's 1962 decision in Engel v. Vitale, linking the removal of school prayer to increased gun violence.
In March 2023, the New York City Department of City Planning advanced plans to convert vacant office buildings into affordable apartments. Eric Adams faced backlash for proposing 'dormitory style accommodations' and suggesting that apartments did not require windows.
On June 23, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams vetoed legislation aimed at increasing eligibility for housing vouchers under the CityFHEPS program. Despite this, he issued an executive order to eliminate the 90-day waiting period for shelter residents. Adams argued that the legislation would be too costly and complicated to administer.
During a housing town hall on June 28, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams faced criticism from 84-year-old Holocaust survivor Jeanie Dubnau over rent increases. Adams' response, comparing Dubnau's behavior to treating someone like a plantation owner, sparked controversy. The following day, Adams refused to apologize, calling Dubnau's behavior 'degrading.'
On July 13, 2023, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the housing voucher eligibility bill by a vote of 42–8, marking a significant moment of contention between the City Council and the mayor. This was the first veto override since Michael Bloomberg's administration.
In July 2023, Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the severe strain on New York City's resources due to the influx of approximately 100,000 migrants from the southern border, stating that the city was running out of room and resources. He remarked, 'Our cup has basically runneth over. We have no more room in the city.'
In August 2023, a lawyer representing Governor Kathy Hochul criticized Mayor Eric Adams for being slow to respond to the migrant housing crisis and not accepting assistance offered by the state. The lawyer's accusations added tension to the already challenging situation.
In September 2023, Mayor Eric Adams warned that the ongoing migrant crisis could potentially 'destroy' New York City, indicating the extreme pressure the city faced in managing the situation.
In September 2023, Mayor Eric Adams, along with New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban, became a Prince Hall Freemason and a 32nd Degree Member of the Scottish Rite. Adams cited Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration for his actions.
On November 2, 2023, FBI agents seized phones and laptops from the chief fundraiser for Mayor Eric Adams' campaigns. The seizure was part of an investigation, and Adams' lawyer stated that he complied fully with the FBI's request. Adams expressed his cooperation with law enforcement in a public statement.
In November 2023, Mayor Eric Adams was accused of sexual assault by an anonymous former coworker from their time as city employees in 1993. Adams denied the allegations, claiming he did not remember the accuser or the incident. The lawsuit also included accusations of battery, discrimination, retaliation, and creating a hostile work environment.
On November 22, 2023, a Florida woman filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Eric Adams under the New York Adult Survivors Act. The lawsuit also included claims of battery, infliction of emotional distress, gender discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment.
In December 2023, the United Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams to block a $550 million cut to education funding, reflecting ongoing tensions over budget priorities and educational resources.
In 2023, Eric Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed to move city retirees from traditional Medicare to a privately run Medicare Advantage plan. This deal, led by DC 37 and the UFT, faced protests from many city retirees.
In 2023, in the Netflix documentary 'You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment,' Mayor Eric Adams claimed he never used medication for his diabetes, which contradicted his earlier statements. This discrepancy led to public scrutiny and questions about his health advocacy.
On January 30, 2024, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the How Many Stops Act, which limits solitary confinement on Rikers Island and mandates detailed police encounter notes. The override vote was seen as a significant policy shift and was led by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
On March 18, 2024, a legal complaint was filed in connection with a sexual assault lawsuit against Eric Adams. The complaint alleged that in 1993, Adams drove a woman to a vacant lot and demanded oral sex in exchange for career help. When she refused, he allegedly forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg. The woman was a former police colleague from Adams' time with New York City's transit police bureau.