Eric Adams: NYC Mayor's Journey from Police Captain to Political Exit

Eric Leroy Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York City, has become one of the most talked-about political figures in America. From his humble beginnings in Brownsville, Brooklyn, to his unexpected exit from the 2025 mayoral race on September 28, 2025, Adams' story embodies both the promise and complexity of modern American politics.

Born on September 1, 1960, Adams transformed from a young man who experienced police brutality into a police captain advocating for reform, and ultimately into New York City's second Black mayor. His recent decision to drop out of the mayoral race has reshaped the political landscape of America's largest city.

Early Life and Background: From Brownsville to Purpose

Eric Adams' childhood in Brownsville was marked by poverty and hardship. As the fourth of six children, he lived in rat-infested tenements with 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 pivotal moment in Adams' life came at age 15 when he was arrested and beaten by NYPD officers in a precinct basement. Rather than becoming bitter, this traumatic experience sparked his determination to reform the police department from within. He joined a gang called the 7-Crowns as a teenager but was inspired by community leaders to channel his energy toward positive change.

Adams graduated from Bayside High School in Queens in 1979, though he struggled academically until being diagnosed with dyslexia in college. This diagnosis marked a turning point—he went "from a D student to the dean's list" and became a strong advocate for early dyslexia screening in public schools.

NYPD Career and Reform Advocacy (1984-2006)

Adams joined the New York City Transit Police in 1984, graduating second in his class from the Police Academy. When the transit police merged with the NYPD, he continued his career across multiple precincts in Greenwich Village, Greenpoint, and Fort Greene/Clinton Hill areas.

In 1995, Adams co-founded "100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care," an advocacy group that challenged police brutality and racial profiling. The organization taught young Black men how to interact safely with police during stops, though civil rights leaders like Al Sharpton criticized these efforts as teaching people to "live under oppression."

Adams served as president of the Grand Council of Guardians, an African American patrolmen's association, during the 1990s. His advocacy work sometimes put him at odds with department leadership, and in 2006, he was investigated for appearing on television in his official capacity to criticize Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He retired at the rank of captain shortly after being found guilty of speaking in an official capacity without permission.

Political Rise: State Senate to Borough President

Adams' political career began with his election to the New York State Senate in 2006, representing the 20th district in Brooklyn. During his tenure from 2007-2013, he championed several progressive causes including marriage equality, voting in favor of same-sex marriage in both 2009 and 2011.

As a state senator, Adams was vocal in opposing the NYPD's controversial "stop and frisk" policy, supporting federal investigations into the practice. He also served as co-chair of New York's State Legislators Against Illegal Guns and protested the shooting of Trayvon Martin by wearing a hooded sweatshirt in the legislative chamber.

In 2013, Adams was elected Brooklyn Borough President with an overwhelming 90.8% of the vote, making him the first Black American to hold the position. He was re-elected in 2017 with 83% of the vote. As borough president, he advocated for affordable housing, plant-based nutrition in schools, and improved public health policies after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2016.

2021 Mayoral Election and Victory

Adams announced his candidacy for mayor on November 17, 2020, running as a moderate Democrat focused on crime and public safety. His campaign positioned him against the "defund the police" movement while supporting police reform—a nuanced stance that resonated with voters concerned about rising crime rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite trailing entrepreneur Andrew Yang in early polls, Adams emerged as the frontrunner in the final weeks. His law enforcement background proved advantageous as crime became a central issue. He won the Democratic primary using New York's new ranked-choice voting system and went on to defeat Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election with a landslide victory.

Tenure as NYC Mayor (2022-2025)

Adams took office on January 1, 2022, as New York City's 110th mayor. His administration initially focused on public safety, implementing a tough-on-crime approach that included reintroducing plain-clothed NYPD units disbanded by his predecessor. He also enacted zero-tolerance policies regarding homeless individuals sleeping in subway cars.

Early in his tenure, Adams enjoyed strong approval ratings from New Yorkers who appreciated his direct communication style and focus on practical governance. He promoted plant-based nutrition initiatives, continued his advocacy for dyslexia screening, and worked to address the city's migrant crisis.

However, his administration faced significant challenges, particularly regarding the influx of asylum seekers and budget constraints. Adams frequently criticized the federal government for insufficient support in managing the migrant crisis, arguing that it threatened to "destroy" the city financially.

Legal Challenges and Controversies

In September 2024, Adams became the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted on federal charges. The indictment alleged bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations, particularly related to his connections with Turkish officials. Adams pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The mayor claimed the charges were politically motivated retaliation for his criticism of the Biden administration's handling of the migrant crisis. His approval ratings plummeted following the indictment, and many political observers questioned his ability to govern effectively while facing criminal charges.

In February 2025, the Department of Justice under the Trump administration instructed federal prosecutors to drop the charges against Adams. Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case on April 2, 2025, providing Adams with significant legal relief but leaving questions about his political future.

2025 Campaign Exit and Current Status

On September 28, 2025, Adams shocked the political world by announcing his withdrawal from the mayoral race. In a nearly nine-minute video posted to social media, he cited "constant media speculation" and the Campaign Finance Board's decision to withhold millions of dollars as factors that "undermined my ability to raise the funds needed for a serious campaign."

Adams had initially planned to run for re-election as an independent after leaving the Democratic Party earlier in 2025. However, facing distant fourth-place polling numbers behind Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, his campaign struggled to gain traction.

In his withdrawal announcement, Adams warned against "extremism" in politics and urged New Yorkers to "beware of those who claim the answer is to destroy the very system we built together over generations." While he didn't endorse any candidate, his exit potentially benefits Cuomo's campaign against progressive frontrunner Mamdani.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Eric Adams drop out of the 2025 NYC mayoral race?

Adams cited constant media speculation about his future and the Campaign Finance Board's decision to withhold millions of dollars as primary reasons. He stated these factors undermined his ability to raise necessary campaign funds and maintain a competitive campaign.

What were the federal charges against Eric Adams?

Adams was indicted on federal charges including bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations, particularly related to Turkish officials. However, the charges were dropped by the Trump administration's Department of Justice in February 2025.

What is Eric Adams' background before becoming mayor?

Adams served as an NYPD captain for 22 years (1984-2006), then as a New York State Senator (2007-2013), and Brooklyn Borough President (2014-2021) before winning the 2021 mayoral election.

Who are the leading candidates now that Adams dropped out?

The main candidates are Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Adams' exit potentially benefits Cuomo's chances against progressive frontrunner Mamdani.

Will Eric Adams' name still be on the ballot?

Yes, Adams' name will remain on the November 2025 ballot because he withdrew after the deadline for ballot printing had passed.