Background and Education

Bill de Blasio was born on May 8, 1961, in Manhattan, New York. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Cambridge, Massachusetts. His mother, Maria, worked as an advertising executive, while his father, Warren Wilhelm, was a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific and lost a leg during combat. Tragically, his father later died by suicide after struggling with alcoholism.

De Blasio attended New York University, graduating in 1984. He later earned a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in 1987.

Political Career and Mayoral Tenure

De Blasio began his political career in various public service roles, including as a regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton and later as a member of the New York City Council.

In January 2013, de Blasio announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City outside his Brooklyn home. He secured the Democratic nomination with over 40 percent of the vote, leading second-place finisher William Thompson by a significant margin. Though initially underestimated by opponents, de Blasio’s campaign gained momentum as he positioned himself as a progressive reformer and champion of economic equality.

He was elected as New York City's 109th mayor in November 2013 and reelected in 2017. During his tenure, he focused on expanding affordable housing, implementing universal pre-K education, and reforming policing policies. His administration was notably shaped by efforts to reduce inequality in the city.