Edward Irwing Koch

Edward Irving “Ed” Koch was the 105th mayor of New York City, serving from 1978 to 1989. He was known for his tenacity,energetic leadership, and brashness, which helped him navigate the city through a period of financial crisis. Koch was a lifelong Democrat who described himself as a "liberal with sanity". He worked on reducing crime and revitalizing neighborhoods but faced criticism for handling issues like the AIDS crisis and homelessness. During his tenure, he restored fiscal stability to New York City and was re-elected twice, in 1981 and 1985. He was also notable for being the first New York City mayor to win endorsements from both the Democratic and Republican parties. A former U.S. congressman, Koch's legacy as mayor includes his signature tough-love approach and his impact on reshaping the city's infrastructure and finances.