Over a Zoom call, Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, officially announced his run for New York City mayor.
Over a Zoom call, Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, officially announced his run for New York City mayor.
He’s a Former Cop. He Wants to Be Mayor of New York.
ByEmma G. FitzsimmonsNov. 18, 2020
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
Eric Adams,a former police officer, stood in front of the police station where he said he was beaten as a teenager: “Some people talk about police brutality. I want to tell you how it is to live through it.”
He was announcing his run for mayor of New York City in a new campaign video.
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, was known as a sharp police critic in the 1990s as co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care.
He is also known for being public about his health struggles. He lost 30 pounds after learning he had diabetes.
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
Adams announced his run on a video call because coronavirus cases were rising in the city. He is one of the best-known candidates in a crowded Democratic primary that includesScott Stringer, the city comptroller, andMaya Wiley, a former lawyer for Mayor Bill de Blasio.
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
Adams is known for being outspoken. He told gentrifiers moving to Brooklyn to “go back to Iowa” in a speech earlier this year.
He also said he would carry a gun as mayor and had brought one to church to protect himself.
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
Adams said the three most important issues in the mayoral race were:
1. public safety
2. health
3. the economy
While some mayoral hopefuls are boasting about their financial acumen, Adams said he was the most well-rounded candidate.
“This is a complicated city,” he said. “One can’t just be an accountant.”
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
Adams does not agree with Mayor de Blasio’s decision to close schools. He said they should remain open as long as the data showed they were safe.
“This uncertainty, the emotional back-and-forth for these kids is just devastating,” he told me.
He’s a Former Cop Who Wants to Be Mayor of New York
In his campaign announcement, Adams struck a somber tone in discussing the city’s many challenges, including a spike in shootings this year.
But he ended on an optimistic note: “With the right leadership, we will rise up again.”
Read about how Adams got his health under control