NEW YORK (AP) — Four years ago, New York City Mayor Eric Adams swept into office with swaggering confidence, pledging to lead a government unmatched in history and claiming to embody the future of the Democratic Party.
However, as his tumultuous term comes to a close, Adams, now 65, finds himself in a precarious political landscape, with his once-bright aspirations as a party leader now seemingly in the rearview mirror.
In recent weeks, he has taken to wandering internationally, weighing his future in the private sector and expressing frustration towards critics he argues have downplayed his accomplishments.
For many of his supporters, Adams's tenure will be remembered as a lost opportunity. As the second Black mayor in the city’s history, he executed measures that helped steer New York away from the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, often connecting the city's resurgence with his humble beginnings in Queens.
At a time when numerous Democrats grappled to confront voter concerns about public safety, he attracted national attention with a 'radically practical' agenda that aimed at reducing crime while boosting the economy.
Nevertheless, despite a reversion of most crime figures to pre-pandemic levels, Adams faces the unique distinction of being the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted while in office.
“That’s a disappointment for voters, especially for Black voters who had high expectations,” stated Basil Smikle, a political strategist and former executive director of the state’s Democratic Party. “He began with significant political capital, but that has been squandered, in part due to his own arrogance.”
The mayor’s focus on public safety and rejuvenation included controversial measures such as reinstating the anti-crime unit and drawing on the expertise of former police allies, some of whom were previously involved in misconduct investigations.
Adams’s approach to leadership fostered an image of 'swagger,' leading him to frequent high-end venues as part of his plan to reinvigorate life in New York City. However, as issues arose, many began to view his indulgent lifestyle as a sign of distraction.
With his approval ratings in free-fall amid ongoing corruption inquiries in his office, Adams sought to shift political dynamics by aligning with national Republican figures, hoping to reshape public perception.
As his administration comes to an end, Adams appears ready for upheaval, though his future remains uncertain as he concluded his farewell speech with a promise that he had given his all during his time in office and left everything on the “ice.”
Uncertainty looms over his next steps as he begins to transition out of a role that once promised great potential but ended with considerable scandal and diminished public faith.
