Eric Adams Wins Democratic Primary for New York City Mayor

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who ran a centrist campaign at a time when progressives were seen as the potential future in city politics, has won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.

The Associated Press called the race shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Adams, a former police captain, would be New York City’s second Black mayor if elected this fall. 

Adams led his closest opponent, Kathryn Garcia, by 8,426 votes, according to the latest tabulation by the New York City Board of Elections.

“While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City,” Mr. Adams said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

“Now we must focus on winning in November so that we can deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers,” he added.

Throughout the campaign, Adams ran as a moderate intent on improving public safety at a time when the city saw an increase in shootings and homicides. 

But he went a step further, saying he would do so without violating the rights of those living in the Black and Latino neighborhoods most impacted by the surge in crime on current Mayor Bill de Blasio’s watch.

At the same time, Adams promised to make changes in how city services are delivered and promised to bring significant changes to the city’s schools.

Adams’ message resonated especially strongly with middle-class and working-class voters in the city, giving his huge margins of victory in southeast Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Adams will now face Curtis Sliwa, the winner of the Republican primary and founder of the Guardian Angels, in November.