Bronx Borough President

Bronx Borough President. The chief executive officer of the borough of The Bronx, New York City and plays a significant role in land use decisions, budget recommendations, and the appointment of community board members.

Current Borough President

• Vanessa L. Gibson (January 1, 2022-present): First female and first African American to serve as Bronx Borough President. A Democrat who previously served in the New York City Council representing the 16th district from 2014 to 2021 and in the New York State Assembly from 2009 to 2013.

Recent Borough Presidents (2000-2021)

• Rubén Díaz Jr. (May 21, 2009-December 31, 2021): Democrat who served for over twelve years. During his tenure, he worked on various initiatives including the response to the 2015 Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
• Earl D. Brown (February 19, 2009-May 21, 2009): Served in an acting capacity after Adolfo Carrión Jr. departed.
• Adolfo Carrión Jr. (January 1, 2002-February 19, 2009): Democrat who left office in 2009. Former mentor to Vanessa Gibson through his appointment of Aurelia Greene to his cabinet.

Late 20th Century Borough Presidents (1979-2001)

• Fernando Ferrer (April 15, 1987-December 31, 2001): Democrat who served for nearly 15 years.
• Cecil P. Joseph (March 11, 1987-April 15, 1987): Served in an acting capacity following Stanley Simon’s departure.
• Stanley Simon (January 5, 1979-March 11, 1987): Democrat. There was a brief vacancy from January 1-5, 1979, following Robert Abrams’ departure.
• Robert Abrams (January 1, 1970-December 31, 1978): Democrat who later became New York State Attorney General.

Mid-20th Century Borough Presidents (1934-1969)

• Herman Badillo (December 28, 1965-December 31, 1969): Democrat who would later become a prominent figure in New York City politics.
• Joseph F. Periconi (January 2, 1962-December 28, 1965): Ran on the Republican, Liberal, and Brotherhood party lines.
• James J. Lyons (January 1, 1934-January 2, 1962): Democrat who holds the record for the longest tenure as Bronx Borough President at 28 years.

Early-Mid 20th Century Borough Presidents (1898-1934)

• Henry Bruckner (January 1, 1918-December 31, 1933): Democrat who served for 16 years.
• Douglas Mathewson (January 1, 1914-December 31, 1917): Republican/Fusion candidate.
• Cyrus C. Miller (January 1, 1910-December 31, 1913): Democrat.
• John F. Murray (August 29, 1909-December 31, 1909): Democrat who completed Haffen’s term.
• Louis F. Haffen (January 1, 1898-August 29, 1909): Democrat who was the first Borough President of the Bronx following the consolidation of New York City in 1898.

The Office of the Bronx Borough President has been held by 16 individuals (including acting borough presidents) since its creation in 1898. The overwhelming majority have been Democrats, reflecting the borough’s political leanings throughout its history. The current Borough President, Vanessa Gibson, made history as both the first woman and the first African American to hold this position. From Louis F. Haffen to Vanessa Gibson, these leaders have guided the Bronx through periods of growth, decline, and revitalization over more than 125 years