 Adams won the election held on December 15, 1920 with approximately 60% of the vote and assumed the role of Calgary's 21st Mayor on January 3, 1920.Adams would be acclaimed in the 1921 Calgary municipal election, and would decide not to contest the 1922 election due to health reasons.As Mayor, Adams' biggest challenge was handling Calgary's extensive post-War unemployment, the rise of labour unions and unrest.