Adams backs reelection of E. Harlem pol, first ex-con to serve in state Legislature

Mayor Adams will endorse East Harlem Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs’ reelection campaign Tuesday, marking Hizzoner’s first public foray into this year’s state legislative elections, the Daily News has learned.

Gibbs, who made history when he was inaugurated as the first formerly incarcerated member of the state Legislature last month, is “the voice East Harlem needs in Albany,” Adams said in a statement provided exclusively to The News ahead of Tuesday’s announcement.

“I am thrilled to endorse Eddie for reelection,” the mayor said in the statement. “His powerful story of overcoming adversity is significant. Every time I am around him, it brings me so much joy. In Eddie, we see that a bend in the road is not the end of the road as long as you make the turn. He made the turn, and now he is in Albany helping people do the same.”

Adams’ endorsement — his first in this state legislative election cycle — gives Gibbs a significant boost as he looks ahead to June, when he will face off against three other candidates in the Democratic primary for his 68th Assembly District, which covers East Harlem and Randalls Island.

Gibbs won a special election for the district last year after ex-Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez resigned to take a job in Gov. Hochul’s administration.

His inauguration — administered by Adams at a gymnasium in East Harlem on Feb. 10 — made him the first ex-con to ever take a seat in the state Legislature, having pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in 1988.

Only 17 at the time, Gibbs admitted to killing a man in self-defense. He was sentenced to four years in state prison, and spent his time behind bars earning an associate’s degree in business before getting engaged with local politics upon his release.

Gibbs has been a reliable supporter of Adams since last year’s mayoral primary, sharing his view that criminal justice reforms must be balanced with public safety concerns.

Referencing Adams’ endorsement, Gibbs said he’s “proud” to have the mayor’s support.

“From fixing our public housing system to properly funding our public schools to tackling gun violence, we share a commitment to fixing the inequalities present throughout my district, our city and our state,” Gibbs said.

“I look forward to continuing our work together in 2023 and beyond.”