Eddie Gibbs Sworn Into Assembly In Star-Studded Harlem Ceremony

EAST HARLEM, NY — City and state leaders converged on an East Harlem gymnasium on Thursday for the inauguration of Eddie Gibbs, whose ascension to the State Assembly signals a political shakeup in the neighborhood and cements his status as New York's first formerly incarcerated lawmaker.

Gibbs, who took office Jan. 26, was formally sworn in Thursday by Mayor Eric Adams, in a ceremony at the Johnson Houses community center — part of the same NYCHA complex where Gibbs grew up.

Gibbs easily won a special election last month for the 68th District seat formerly occupied by Robert Rodriguez, who left the Assembly following his appointment as Secretary of State by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

When neighborhood Democrats chose Gibbs, who is Black, as their nominee in December, his victory signaled a sea change for a seat that had been mostly held by people of Puerto Rican descent in recent decades.

His election is historic in another respect: Gibbs appears to be the first state lawmaker to have served time in prison. He was convicted of manslaughter in the 1980s for fatally shooting a man who was attacking him at the NYCHA Johnson Houses in East Harlem, and served more than four years in prison before being released early.

"I went from a 17-year-old at Rikers Island to someone working every day on behalf of my community," Gibbs said in a statement after his inauguration. "Now, I am the first formerly incarcerated member of our state legislature. I turned my life around, which is why I find it fitting that I was elected at this moment."

Others on hand Thursday included U.S. Sen Chuck Schumer, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Carolyn Maloney, Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.

In the Assembly, Gibbs has been appointed to the Correction Committee — a poignant assignment, given his involvement in the criminal justice system.

"I served time in prison, and also represent a district where people are seriously afraid of violence," Gibbs said. "I know that it is possible to create a City that is more just and more safe."

In addition to East Harlem, the 68th District includes Randall's Island and parts of Central Harlem and the Upper East Side.

Since he took office in a special election, Gibbs must run again for a full term this year. Several Democrats have already lined up to run in the June Democratic primary, including Tamika Mapp and Wilfredo Lopez.

Related coverage:

• Eddie Gibbs Wins Harlem Assembly Election, Making History
  
• Eddie Gibbs Makes History As Harlem's New Assembly Nominee
• Harlem Assembly Race Heats Up: Who Will Replace Robert Rodriguez?