Bill de Blasio, born Warren Wilhelm Jr. on August 8, 1961, in New York City, NY, grew up in a politically active family. His parents, Maria and Warren Wilhelm, both worked for the government and were questioned for alleged Communist sympathies during the McCarthy era. De Blasio attended New York University, where he studied metropolitan studies, and later pursued a Master's of International Affairs at Columbia University.
De Blasio's political career began in the late 1980s when he worked for David Dinkins' 1989 mayoral campaign. He went on to serve as an aide in the Dinkins administration and later worked in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Clinton administration. In 2001, he was elected to the New York City Council, representing Brooklyn's 39th district.
In 2010, de Blasio was elected as New York City Public Advocate, a position he held until 2013 when he successfully ran for Mayor of New York City. He was inaugurated as the city's 109th mayor in January 2014, succeeding Michael Bloomberg. De Blasio's tenure as mayor was marked by a focus on income inequality, affordable housing, and police reform.
During his time as mayor, de Blasio implemented several key policies and initiatives. He launched universal pre-kindergarten for New York City children, expanded paid sick leave for workers, and implemented an affordable housing plan. He also faced criticism for his handling of public housing issues and tensions with the New York City Police Department.
In 1994, de Blasio married Chirlane McCray, with whom he has two children, Chiara and Dante. McCray has been an active figure in de Blasio's political career, serving as an advisor and public advocate on mental health issues. The de Blasio family resides in Brooklyn, NY.
De Blasio made history as the first Democratic mayor of New York City in twenty years. He is known for his progressive policies and advocacy for social and economic justice. Despite facing challenges and criticism during his time in office, de Blasio has remained committed to his vision of a more equitable and inclusive New York City.
After serving two terms as mayor, de Blasio left office in 2019. His legacy includes advancements in education, affordable housing, and police reform, as well as efforts to address income inequality and social justice issues. De Blasio's impact on New York City politics and policy will be felt for years to come.
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