On Oct. 3, Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs was arrested and handed a summons for disorderly conduct. According to Politico, the District 68 representative was cuffed by officers following an altercation after he and his brother were pulled over for driving an unregistered vehicle. The familiarity of the scene was startling.
Gibbs, once a young man in the same neighborhood facing prison time, now sat in the back of a police cruiser, only this time as an elected official — which is on brand for the assemblyman, who has quickly become East Harlem’s sweetheart. The arrest comes in the midst of the 2024 election season and draws attention to Gibbs, but has a paradoxically opposite effect on his reputation by working in his favor.
Gibbs presents himself as a politician who puts the people first and polls second. The incumbent district representative is running unopposed for a seat in New York’s State Assembly for the second time in a row. But the inevitability of his representation doesn’t mean he has the borough staunchly behind him. Most of the community has never heard of him.
Eddie Gibbs’s story began in New York City in 1987, not in triumph, but beaten sneakers, hand-me-downs from his older brother, and handcuffs. His journey from disgruntled inmate to unchallenged assemblyman in a few decades’ time could not have been foretold.
“He credits his incarceration with turning his life around and is motivated as an elected official to make sure that everyone has chances in life right from the start, free from violence and poverty,” reads Gibbs’s official assembly page. “As a community leader for over two decades, Eddie has held annual coat drives for seniors and people experiencing homelessness, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas toy giveaways, back-to-school supply drives for underprivileged kids. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eddie cared for vulnerable seniors and distributed food, water and PPE [personal protective equipment].”
Gibbs’s struggle resonates with locals, and he lets them know it. His campaign website states: “I share a similar story with many of you. I was raised in an East Harlem NYCHA development. We grew up on welfare, but it was not enough to provide for us. I faced the criminal justice system without proper legal representation. I am running for re-election because no one will fight harder than me for New York’s 68th Assembly District.”
Upon mention of Assemblyman Gibbs, seven in 10 District 68 residents will reply “Who?” with furrowed brows. But add that he has worn the orange jumpsuit, and they suddenly went to preschool together.
“I don’t need to know anything else about him,” said East Harlem born and bred Marvin Gunning, “Everyone’s done things they aren’t proud of. My vote is his.”
“I’m very likely to endorse him,” agreed social worker and local substance use counselor Essivi Collins.
Many residents do not feel the need to research statements as a base for their opinions and are blissfully unaware of the fact that they have no other options — it is Gibbs or no one.
To the public, his story is swoon-worthy. Gibbs, whose charm and affability with the public is spun from his humble beginnings, is the type of politician one can picture having a beer with, is by no means the most known man in El Barrio, and it’s working for him. “He has that average Joe appeal to him as a politician that makes everyday folks feel seen,” an East Harlem-based officer notes as his radio babbles. “A record can actually work to a lawmaker’s advantage, contradictorily enough,” his partner chimes in after a swig from a Dunkin’ cup. Neither was authorized to speak on the record.
Despite the community’s lack of knowledge of Gibbs, it is clear where their loyalties lie.
Superficial loyalty and under-informed voting will keep East Harlem running in place. There is “a dangerous juncture of substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health issues,” said Collins, who sees this every day. “The work is far from done. I’ve made this my livelihood. Considering his upbringing, so should he.”
While Gibbs’s redemption arc resonates with voters, the lack of engagement with who he is beyond his triumphant backstory leaves critical questions about his legislative priorities unanswered.
“People have nowhere to live, they’re sick, they’re starving,” Collins continued. “Harlem’s been gentrified and people are forced onto the streets. They have no idea who’s supposed to be fighting for them.”
“I’m scared every day to let these babies go when the bell rings,” said assistant kindergarten teacher Marta, whose last name is excluded due to her immigration status, on rising crime rates. “I just pray to see them all in the morning.”
“He can say he’s for the people if that gets him the spot. Thing is, when you make that promise, you’ve got to keep it. There’s no place for empty promises in politics,” said Matthew Alba as he restocks beverages in the deli he works in.
Peggy Anderson, retired from her job as a secretary, takes an “old school” approach to politics. “Could you call it old school to care about your representatives?” she mused. A lifelong resident of East Harlem, Anderson likes to study local politics. “I’m bad with all these gadgets,” she said, gesturing her hands fussily. “But I do what I can. I need to be able to make up my mind for myself. We need to do right by our community. Not knowing whose hands I am in is not an option.”
A third police officer, off the record, commented: “Absolutely, it’s important to know where your local representatives stand. I mean, how else can you hold them to their word if you don’t know what they think?”
Jayden Romero, a student and first time voter agrees. “I think everyone should be able to name important policies of people they’re voting for.”
Many of Gibbs’s bills remain in committee according to BillTrack50, such as laws preventing gun violence, supporting students below the poverty line, and providing rental assistance to those struggling with housing insecurity. For local politicians, Anderson finds pressure to be an effective strategy. “If we breathe down his neck a little more, he’ll know we mean business. He’ll know he has to deliver.”
Still, the opposite effect of Gibbs’s missteps is undeniable. East Harlem residents feel that Gibbs’s arrest is reflective of his nature as relatable and connected to his community, particularly through their struggles. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all. This should make his cause even stronger. He should be all the more likely to protect people with similar experiences,” commented Macy Jones on a stroll with her maltipoo. “A leader that’s like an average citizen will win people over. It shows he’s connected to the community even though he’s in politics. He’ll get the votes because he’s not perfect.”
“Honestly, it’s kind of cool,” said Josh Francis on Gibbs’s recent arrest in between cheers for his school friends shooting hoops at the park. “He knows what’s up. I just turned 18 a couple weeks ago. I’ve never heard of him before, but I’m definitely voting for him now. He seems like a guy you can trust.”
Mary Solomon, who did not wish to disclose her real name out of concern for her parole status, has had a criminal record since she was 16 years old. Her support for Gibbs, to her, is common sense. “Absolutely, I’ll vote for him. Why shouldn’t I? I’ve never been able to see myself in a politician. I’m sure people in my position can relate. We need people who know our struggle. He still goes through it and it makes me trust him. It proves he’s still for us. Who would be better?”
Residents understand the importance of engagement with local politics, concurring that Gibbs’s story can be appreciated while still “looking to the future,” in Collins’ words. Alba stresses the reality of the state of the neighborhood. “This isn’t some fairytale. It’s not pretty, but this is our life,” Alba said. “This is real.” Collins echoes that sentiment. “How many more people do we need to see shooting up, getting high in the streets? How many more of our kids need to get shot playing in the park? How much longer do we need to suffer for change to be made?” she asked.
The ability for Gibbs to enact significant change begins with the community knowing who he is as a representative, not just a man with a past.
“This is what matters the most now: how does he plan to combat substance abuse?” Collins continued. “How does he plan to support the homeless? The people making these decisions get their foot in the door with our votes. We get them there, so we as the community need to make an informed choice,” she says. “Baby steps are progress.”