Democrat Eric Adams elected mayor of New York City

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Former police captain Eric Adams, a Democrat, won New York City's mayoral election after defeating Republican rival Curtis Sliwa, according to projections late Tuesday.

Succeeding Bill de Blasio, Adams will be the second Black mayor in the history of the country's most populous city.

Adams' victory was called by the Associated Press 10 minutes after the polls closed at 9 p.m. Eastern time, The New York Times reported.

"Tonight, we celebrate -- because tomorrow, the real work begins!" Adams wrote on Twitter.

Adams had also won the Democratic primary for mayor in July. The 61-year-old will take office on Jan. 1.