As New York City mayor, it’s understandable that Eric Adams should want to achieve things those before him couldn’t, although he likely didn’t plan on becoming the first person in his role to face criminal charges while in office. In Sept. 2024, the politician was charged with five counts concerning bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals. While he navigates this tough time, Eric Adams’ partner, Tracey Collins is a strong source of support. She’s been a part of his life for decades, but little is known about their romantic relationship.
When speaking to People about the latest allegations against him, the mayor said, “I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target — and a target I became. I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” It’s unclear what’s next for Adams, but having someone as dedicated as Collins in his corner is likely reassuring. Keep reading for more details on their private partnership!
Who Is Eric Adams’ Partner?
Tracey Collins is in a domestic partnership with Mayor Adams, though it’s unclear how long they’ve been together. She was born and raised in New Orleans but began working as a school administrator in the NYC Department of Education in 2008. Later, Collins was named D.O.E.’s senior advisor to the deputy chancellor for school leadership. In his 2020 cookbook, “Healthy at Last,” Adams wrote that his partner often worked 12-hour days and seldom took breaks. “She gets up at dawn to run the largest school system in the United States. She oversees schools in Brooklyn and The Bronx. I have never met anyone more devoted to her job than Tracey,” he praised her.
In the same book, the embattled leader discussed how a vegan lifestyle changed his and Collins’ lives. She was diagnosed with pre-diabetes after Adams received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis; rather than fall victim, they switched up their diets and lost 30 pounds each through committing to a healthier lifestyle. Eric Adams’ partner is an author in her own right, sharing “Sweet Promptings: Showing Compassion for Others” in 2008. He wrote the forward for the book, which “highlighted random acts of kindness and the ripple effects of such gestures on people’s lives,” per People. Portions of the proceeds went toward Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
When He Was a State Senator, Adams and Collins Teamed up to ‘Stop the Sag’
In 2007, Collins founded the Fully Persuaded for Children & Families initiative, focused on providing social-emotional education in hopes of improving decision-making, reducing violence and creating safer communities. In 2010, with the help of then-Senator Adams, Collins shared the “Stop the Sag” campaign urging Americans to pull up their pants.
“While it is natural for youth to push the limits of what is acceptable, parents in the home and leaders in the community must step up when something is harmful,” Adams said at the time. “This sagging pants culture represents an immature disregard for the basic civility, courtesy, and responsibility that our young men should display. After over a decade of educating people, Fully Persuaded closed its doors in 2015.
New Orleans Native Joined Her ‘Other Half’ at the 2022 Met Gala
From what we know, Eric Adams’ partner maintains a separate residence – or so he claims. The 64-year-old primarily stays in Brooklyn, although he and Collins own a home together in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where she spends her time. According to the New York Times, the latter home is a high-rise building with a vew of the Hudson River.
Collins was by Adams’ side at his mayoral inauguration in January 2021, but their public appearances are limited. In 2022 they stepped out for the Met Gala, with the black-haired beauty glowing in a black and white Oscar de la Renta gown. At the time, the native New Yorker introduced Collins as his “other half” and later that year they hit up the U.S. Open and New York Fashion Week in style.