Bill de Blasio Biography | Marriage, Wife and Education

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<p>Bill de Blasio is an American <a href="/biography/bill-de-blasio">politician</a> best known for serving as the Mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021.</p>

<h2>Background and Education</h2>

<p>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 <a href="/biography/bill-de-blasio">father</a>, <a href="/biography/bill-de-blasio">Warren Wilhelm</a>, was a World War II <a href="/biography/bill-de-blasio">veteran</a> who served in the Pacific and lost a leg during combat. Tragically, his father later died by suicide after struggling with alcoholism.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>Political Career and Mayoral Tenure</h2>

<p>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 <a href="/biography/bill-clinton">President</a> <a href="/biography/bill-clinton">Bill Clinton</a> and later as a member of the New York City Council.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<h2>2020 Presidential Campaign</h2>

<p>In May 2019, de Blasio declared his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, entering a crowded field of more than 20 candidates. At the June 2019 Democratic primary debates in Miami, he attempted to distinguish himself by adopting a combative tone and emphasizing his progressive record as mayor. Despite these efforts, his campaign struggled to gain traction nationally, and he ended his presidential bid in September 2019.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Family</h2>

<p>De Blasio is married to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirlane_McCray">Chirlane McCray</a>, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirlane_McCray">writer</a> and political strategist. The couple has two children together, Dante and Chiara. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirlane_McCray">McCray</a> has played a prominent role in both his political career and public initiatives. Before their relationship, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirlane_McCray">McCray</a> identified as a lesbian and was open about her long-term relationships with women, a personal history that brought added public attention to the couple’s marriage.</p>

<p>De Blasio featured his family prominently in his campaigns, with their son Dante appearing as the sole speaker in his first campaign commercial during his 2013 mayoral run. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chirlane_McCray">McCray</a> also served as an unpaid advisor and played a central role in initiatives such as ThriveNYC, a mental health program launched during de Blasio’s administration.</p>

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