Across the United States, a wave of Black mayors has taken office in major cities, promising change and representation for historically marginalized communities. However, many of these leaders—Eric Adams (NYC), Karen Bass (Los Angeles), Brandon Johnson (Chicago), Muriel Bowser (Washington, DC), London Breed (San Francisco), Tishaura Jones (St. Louis), Cavalier Johnson (Milwaukee), Brandon Scott (Baltimore), and Tiffany Henyard (Dolton, IL)—have found themselves embroiled in scandals, allegations, and controversies that have fueled public outrage and raised questions about their leadership. From corruption charges to ethical lapses, these mayors have become lightning rods for criticism, with their cities often bearing the brunt of their missteps.
Eric Adams (New York City): A Mayor Indicted for Corruption
Eric Adams, New York City’s second Black mayor, has become a symbol of political scandal since his 2024 federal indictment on charges of bribery, campaign finance violations, and conspiracy. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Adams allegedly accepted illegal campaign contributions and improper benefits from foreign nationals, including allowing a Manhattan skyscraper to open without a fire inspection—a reckless move that prioritized his benefactors over public safety. The indictment paints a damning picture of a mayor who, as Brooklyn Borough President and later mayor, abused his power for nearly a decade. A City Journal poll revealed only 8% of Democrats would support Adams in a primary, a stark reflection of his plummeting popularity. Critics argue that Adams’ legal troubles have distracted from addressing NYC’s pressing issues, like subway violence and homelessness, leaving the city in disarray.
Karen Bass (Los Angeles): Failing on Homelessness Amid High Disapproval
Karen Bass, elected in 2022 as Los Angeles’ first Black female mayor, promised to tackle the city’s homelessness crisis—a staggering issue with over 75,000 people unhoused in LA County (LAHSA, 2024). Yet, her tenure has been marred by failure and public discontent. Despite initiatives like Inside Safe, homelessness rose 9% in 2024, and Bass’ disapproval ratings have soared, with City Journal noting widespread frustration over her inability to address crime and housing. Allegations of cronyism have also surfaced, with critics pointing to her administration’s allocation of contracts to politically connected firms for homeless services, raising questions about transparency. Bass’ inability to deliver on her flagship promise has left Angelenos disillusioned, with many feeling the city is worse off than before.
Brandon Johnson (Chicago): Ethical Lapses and a City in Crisis
Chicago’s Brandon Johnson has faced a torrent of criticism since taking office in 2023, with his approval rating plummeting to a shocking 7% by February 2025, according to a Chicago Tribune report. Johnson’s resistance to ethics reforms has drawn ire, particularly after a report accused him of mishandling gifts—a scandal that included a Gucci bag displayed in his “gift inventory room” at City Hall. His administration’s refusal to codify rules banning lobbyists from donating to mayoral candidates has further fueled perceptions of corruption in a city already notorious for political scandals. Meanwhile, Chicagoans cite crime as their top concern (67% in polls), with carjackings and violence persisting despite Johnson’s progressive policies, like reducing police funding. Residents are now pushing for a recall, signaling a city on the brink under his leadership.
Muriel Bowser (Washington, DC): Crime Spikes and Leadership Failures
Muriel Bowser, DC’s mayor since 2015, has overseen a city grappling with a 35% spike in homicides in 2023 (Metropolitan Police Department data), alongside a struggling downtown post-COVID. Critics have accused Bowser of prioritizing optics over substance, pointing to her administration’s lavish spending on pet projects—like a $20 million Black Lives Matter Plaza mural—while neglecting core issues like public safety and homelessness. Allegations of favoritism in city contracts have also dogged her tenure, with a 2022 investigation revealing that Bowser’s allies received millions in housing development deals without proper oversight. As DC residents face rising violence and economic uncertainty, Bowser’s leadership has been called into question, with many arguing she’s failed to deliver on her promises.
London Breed (San Francisco): A City in Decline Amid Overdose Crisis
London Breed’s tenure as San Francisco’s mayor has been defined by a city in crisis, with overdose deaths peaking at 810 in 2023 (SF Department of Public Health) and rampant retail theft driving businesses out of downtown. Breed, who lost her re-election bid in 2024, faced allegations of mismanaging city funds, including a 2023 audit that found her administration overspent on homelessness programs with little to show for it—over $1 billion allocated, yet tent encampments grew. Critics also pointed to her cozy relationships with tech moguls, accusing her of prioritizing corporate interests over residents struggling with housing costs and street conditions. Breed’s failure to curb San Francisco’s downward spiral has left a once-thriving city in tatters, with many blaming her for its decline.
Tishaura Jones (St. Louis): Ethical Concerns in a Violent City
Tishaura Jones, St. Louis’ first Black female mayor, has been criticized for ethical lapses amid the city’s ongoing struggle with crime—its homicide rate was a staggering 69 per 100,000 in 2023 (FBI data). A 2022 investigation revealed that Jones’ administration awarded no-bid contracts to firms linked to her campaign donors, raising red flags about cronyism. Critics argue that her focus on progressive policies, like defunding the police, has exacerbated St. Louis’ violence, with residents feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods. Jones’ inability to address these systemic issues, combined with ethical questions, has fueled perceptions of a mayor more interested in ideology than effective governance.
Cavalier Johnson (Milwaukee): Struggling to Deliver on Promises
Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee’s mayor since 2022, has faced criticism for failing to address the city’s persistent challenges, including poverty and crime. A 2024 report accused Johnson’s administration of mishandling federal COVID relief funds, with millions unaccounted for, prompting calls for an investigation. Despite a 7% drop in violent crime in 2024 (MPD data), residents remain frustrated with Johnson’s lack of progress on economic development, particularly in Black and Latino neighborhoods. His administration’s opacity around budget decisions has further eroded trust, leaving Milwaukeeans questioning whether Johnson is up to the task of leading a city in need of bold solutions.
Brandon Scott (Baltimore): Progress Overshadowed by Scandals
Brandon Scott, Baltimore’s mayor since 2020, has touted a 20% reduction in homicides since 2022 (BPD data), but his tenure has been overshadowed by allegations of corruption. A 2023 probe revealed that Scott’s administration funneled city contracts to a nonprofit tied to his allies, prompting accusations of favoritism. Baltimore’s persistent issues—poverty, vacant housing, and underfunded schools—have seen little improvement under Scott, with critics arguing that his focus on symbolic gestures, like gun violence reduction programs, has failed to address root causes. Scott’s scandals have undermined his credibility, leaving many Baltimoreans feeling let down by a mayor who promised transformative change.
Tiffany Henyard (Dolton, IL): A Small Town Mayor in Big Trouble
Tiffany Henyard, mayor of Dolton, IL, has become a national symbol of small-town corruption. Her administration has been hit with multiple lawsuits, including one from a barbershop owner in 2024 alleging that Henyard denied his business license because it didn’t benefit her financially (FOX 32 Chicago). The FBI has also gotten involved, serving two subpoenas to Dolton Village Hall in 2024 as part of a federal grand jury investigation into Henyard’s alleged corruption. Trustees have accused her of misusing village funds for personal expenses, including lavish trips and a $33,000 security detail, while Dolton faces a $3.5 million deficit. Henyard’s chaotic leadership has sparked protests and legal battles, turning the small suburb into a cautionary tale of unchecked power.
A Pattern of Failure?
The scandals and allegations surrounding these Black mayors paint a troubling picture of leadership gone awry. From Eric Adams’ federal indictment to Tiffany Henyard’s small-town corruption, these leaders have faced accusations of prioritizing personal gain over public good. Cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Baltimore continue to grapple with crime, homelessness, and economic decline, with residents bearing the consequences of their mayors’ failures. Critics argue that these mayors have squandered the trust of their constituents, particularly Black voters who supported them in hopes of representation and progress.
While systemic challenges—decades of disinvestment, national crime trends, and gentrification—undoubtedly play a role, the litany of scandals suggests a deeper issue of accountability. As these cities struggle to recover from post-COVID challenges, the controversies surrounding their mayors have only deepened public distrust, leaving many to wonder whether these leaders are capable of steering their cities out of crisis. For now, the legacy of these mayors may be defined not by their promises, but by the scandals that have come to overshadow them.
