Democrat Eric Adams wins New York mayoral election

Eric Adams speaks during a debate in New York (Eduardo Munoz/Pool/AP)

Former police captain Eric Adams cruised to victory in the race for New York mayor as voters across the US picked new city leaders from candidates who were largely defined by their stances on police and crime.

Mr Adams, who will become the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city, first triumphed this summer in a crowded Democratic primary after he struck a nuanced stance on law enforcement issues.