Eric Adams: From NYPD Captain to NYC Mayor - A Complete Biography

Eric Leroy Adams has served as the 110th Mayor of New York City since January 1, 2022, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his experiences as a police officer, state senator, and Brooklyn Borough President. His journey from a challenging childhood in Brownsville, Brooklyn, to leading America's largest city represents a remarkable story of public service and political evolution.

Early Life and Formative Years

Born on September 1, 1960, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Eric Adams grew up in challenging circumstances that would profoundly shape his worldview. The fourth of six children, Adams was raised by his mother Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter, who worked double shifts as a housecleaner despite having only a third-grade education. His father, Leroy Adams, struggled with alcoholism while working as a butcher.

The family's poverty was stark—Adams often brought a bag of clothes to school in case of sudden eviction from their rat-infested tenement in Bushwick. By age 14, he had joined a gang called the 7-Crowns and became known as "a tough little guy." A pivotal moment came when Adams and his brother were arrested for criminal trespassing and allegedly beaten by NYPD officers while in custody. This traumatic experience, which left Adams with post-traumatic stress disorder, paradoxically motivated him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

NYPD Career and Reform Advocacy

Adams graduated from the New York City Police Academy in 1984, finishing second in his class. He served for 22 years in the New York City Transit Police and later the NYPD, retiring at the rank of captain in 2006. His police career was marked by both service and activism, as he worked to reform the department from within.

In 1995, Adams co-founded "100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care," an advocacy group that fought against police brutality and racial profiling. The organization taught young Black men how to interact safely with police officers, though some activists, including Al Sharpton, criticized these efforts as teaching people to "live under oppression."

Adams' willingness to challenge the system sometimes put him at odds with department leadership. In 2006, he was investigated by Internal Affairs for critiquing Mayor Michael Bloomberg on television in his official capacity, leading to his retirement shortly after being found guilty of speaking without permission.

Political Rise Through Public Service

Adams' political career began in the New York State Senate, where he served from 2007 to 2013 representing the 20th district in Brooklyn. His tenure was marked by progressive stances on social issues—he voted in favor of marriage equality in both 2009 and 2011—and continued advocacy for criminal justice reform.

In 2013, Adams was elected Brooklyn Borough President with an overwhelming 90.8% of the vote, making him the first Black American to hold this position. He was re-elected in 2017 with 83% support. As borough president, Adams focused on affordable housing initiatives, pushed for free tuition at two-year CUNY colleges, and advocated for plant-based nutrition in schools after his own type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2016.

Mayoral Leadership and Challenges

Adams won the Democratic primary for mayor in 2021 using ranked-choice voting, positioning himself as a moderate Democrat focused on public safety. He defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election by a landslide margin. His campaign emphasized his law enforcement background and promised to bring a tough-on-crime approach while implementing police reforms.

As mayor, Adams has faced significant challenges including rising crime rates, the ongoing migrant crisis, and housing affordability issues. He has reintroduced plain-clothed NYPD units that had been disbanded and implemented zero-tolerance policies for homeless individuals sleeping in subway cars, alongside increased police presence throughout the city.

Recent Political Developments

Adams' mayoralty has been overshadowed by federal investigations into his administration. In September 2024, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. Adams pleaded not guilty and claimed the charges were retaliation for opposing the Biden administration's handling of the migrant crisis.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Trump administration's Department of Justice instructed federal prosecutors to drop the charges in February 2025, and Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case in April. Adams announced he would seek re-election as an independent candidate but surprisingly withdrew from the race in September, citing media speculation and the withholding of campaign matching funds.

His withdrawal has reshaped the mayoral race, leaving Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa as the primary contenders for November's election.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eric Adams' educational background?

Adams earned an associate degree from New York City College of Technology, a bachelor's degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Master of Public Administration from Marist College in 2006. He experienced an academic turnaround after being diagnosed with dyslexia in college.

How long did Adams serve in the NYPD?

Adams served for 22 years in law enforcement, starting with the New York City Transit Police in 1984 and continuing with the NYPD when the departments merged. He retired at the rank of captain in 2006.

Why did Adams drop out of the 2025 mayoral race?

Adams cited constant media speculation about his future and the campaign finance board's decision to withhold millions in matching funds over suspicious donations as reasons for his withdrawal in September 2025.

What happened to the federal charges against Adams?

Adams was indicted in September 2024 on federal corruption charges but pleaded not guilty. The Trump administration's Department of Justice dropped the charges in February 2025, and the case was dismissed in April 2025.