When you look at the inner circle of New York City Hall, few names carry as much weight—or as much controversy—as Ingrid Lewis-Martin. Often dubbed the "Lioness" or the "higher power" of the Adams administration, she’s been the gatekeeper for Mayor Eric Adams for decades. But while her political maneuvering makes headlines, people often overlook the man who actually started this whole friendship.
Honestly, without Ingrid Lewis-Martin husband, Glenn D. Martin, the modern political landscape of New York City might look entirely different.
It wasn't a backroom political deal or a high-stakes fundraiser that brought Ingrid into Eric Adams' orbit. It was a police academy class in the mid-1980s. That’s where Glenn Martin and a young, ambitious Eric Adams first met. They weren't just colleagues; they were "cops together," as Ingrid often puts it. That bond between the two men eventually pulled Ingrid into the mix, transforming her from a middle school teacher into the most powerful advisor in the city.
Who is Glenn D. Martin?
Glenn D. Martin is a retired New York City police officer. While his wife is famous for her fiery rhetoric and "get stuff done" attitude at City Hall, Glenn has largely stayed in the background. He’s the anchor. The couple lives in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, a neighborhood that has remained their home base even as their social standing skyrocketed.
You’ve gotta understand the timeline to see why this matters.
In 1984, Glenn was training at the police academy. That’s the same year Eric Adams was starting his journey in the transit police. They became fast friends. Because Glenn and Eric were so close, Ingrid and Eric became close. For forty years, they’ve been a tight-knit unit. This isn't just "professional networking." It’s a decades-old family friendship that survived the NYPD, the State Senate, and eventually the Mayor’s office.
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A Family Steeped in Brooklyn Roots
Ingrid herself comes from a Panamanian and Barbadian background, raised in Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy. Glenn’s life alongside her has been one of quiet support, though their family life has occasionally bumped into the public record.
They have a son, Glenn Martin II.
Unlike his father, who spent his career in the blue uniform of the NYPD, Glenn II has explored the world of business and entertainment. He’s been involved in fashion and even spent time as a DJ. Recently, though, the family name has been dragged into more complicated conversations involving City Hall investigations.
The NYPD Connection and Eric Adams
It’s impossible to talk about Ingrid Lewis-Martin husband without talking about the "Table of Success." This is the term Mayor Adams uses for his inner circle—people who were with him when he had nothing. Glenn D. Martin is essentially a founding member of that table by association.
When Adams was a captain in the NYPD, Glenn was right there in the department. When Adams decided to pivot to politics in 2006, Ingrid was the one who stepped up as his campaign manager. People ask why Adams trusts her so implicitly. The answer is Glenn. He trusts her because he’s known her husband since they were kids in the academy.
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That kind of loyalty is rare in politics. It’s also why Ingrid is often seen as untouchable. She isn't just an employee; she's family.
Recent Headlines and the Martin Family
If you’ve been following the news in late 2024 and early 2026, you know things have gotten rocky. Ingrid Lewis-Martin’s home was searched by federal investigators, and her phones were seized at JFK Airport. While Glenn D. Martin himself hasn't been the primary target of these public indictments, the family's business dealings have come under a microscope.
Specifically, prosecutors have looked into whether favors were traded.
There were allegations that Ingrid used her massive influence at the Department of Buildings to help certain businessmen. In exchange, it’s alleged that these individuals helped support Glenn Martin II’s business ventures, including a fashion line and attempts to open a Chick-fil-A franchise. It's a messy situation. Ingrid has denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigations "politically motivated," but she did resign from her post in December 2024.
Despite the legal drama, the bond between Ingrid and Glenn seems unshakable. They are a "united family," a phrase Ingrid uses often to describe her upbringing and her own household.
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Why Glenn D. Martin Matters Now
You might wonder why a retired cop matters in 2026. Basically, he represents the "old guard" of the Adams administration. As the Mayor faces re-election challenges and mounting legal fees, the people who knew him "back when" are the only ones he really listens to.
Glenn D. Martin isn't on Twitter (X) making policy statements. He isn't at the podium at City Hall. But he is the bridge.
Key Facts About the Martin-Lewis Connection:
- Met Eric Adams: 1984 at the Police Academy.
- Residence: Longtime homeowners in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.
- Religious Life: Ingrid is a Pentecostal ordained chaplain; the family is deeply involved in their faith.
- Current Status: Glenn is retired from the NYPD; Ingrid is navigating post-City Hall legal challenges.
Understanding the "Lioness" Through Her Marriage
To understand Ingrid, you have to understand that she views herself as a protector. She protects the Mayor, and she protects her family. When you hear her speak about "her men"—referring to her husband and her son—she is fiercely defensive.
She once told a reporter that her job was to give the Mayor "red flags." She’s the one who tells him who to trust. And for forty years, the person she’s trusted most is the man who introduced them in the first place.
Practical Takeaways and Insights:
- Loyalty is the Currency: In the world of NYC politics, long-term personal relationships (like those formed in the NYPD) often outweigh professional resumes.
- The "Family" Business: When high-ranking officials are investigated, the scrutiny almost always extends to spouses and children. If you’re following the Adams administration, watch the family business links.
- Brooklyn Power Bases: The Lewis-Martin story is a classic Brooklyn tale of moving from the schoolhouse and the precinct to the halls of power.
If you're looking into the power structure of New York, don't just look at the titles on the doors. Look at the names on the marriage licenses and the old police academy rosters. That’s where the real history is written.
Keep an eye on the ongoing court filings from the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Those documents often reveal more about the daily lives and financial connections of Ingrid Lewis-Martin husband and family than any press release ever will.