A former Republican member of the City Council and a real estate attorney with ties to former President Donald Trump are joining Mayor Adams’ administration in senior capacities, Hizzoner announced Wednesday.
Eric Ulrich, who departed the Council last month after 12 years as the representative for Queens’ 32nd District, is returning to City Hall as a senior adviser to Adams, the mayor said in a press release that included a total of 14 new appointments to his administration.
Also on the list was Edward Mermelstein, a luxury real estate lawyer who will be Adams’ commissioner of international affairs.
“This team has the experience, knowledge and skill to take our government — and our city — to new heights,” Adams said in a statement. “Our motto is Get Stuff Done — and we are already off to a flying start. Together, we will work day in and day out to make New York City safer, more equitable and more prosperous for all.”
Both Ulrich and Mermelstein are Republicans who supported one or both of Trump’s presidential campaigns.
Ulrich, who used to consider himself a “Never Trump” Republican, flip-flopped and endorsed the former president’s reelection bid in 2020, citing concerns that the Democratic Party was getting “hijacked” by “socialists.”
Mermelstein touts a professional history with Trump, having worked with him on real estate matters in New York before he became president.
It’s unusual for a mayor to cross party lines for prominent hires, and the Trump connection underlying the Ulrich and Mermelstein appointments is especially glaring considering Adams has long been a fierce critic of the twice-impeached former president.
But Mermelstein told the Daily News that Adams, himself a former Republican, does not govern in a traditionally partisan manner.
“There is a new sheriff in town,” said Mermelstein, who donated the maximum $2,000 allowed to Adams’ mayoral campaign last year, according to public records. “He gets along with everybody.”
In addition to Ulrich and Mermelstein, former Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, another Republican, was tapped earlier this week to join Adams’ City Hall as the chief of staff to Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi.
Ulrich could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Also among Adams’ latest appointments was Frank Carone, a prominent lawyer and Brooklyn political powerbroker who will serve as the mayor’s chief of staff, as previously reported by The News and other outlets.
“I am honored to join his team and serve the city that I love,” Carone said. “As chief of staff, I will be focused on ensuring City Hall runs smoothly, keeping our City agencies aligned, and delivering on the mayor’s vision for the city.”
