NYC Councilman Breaks Glass Ceiling As World's Tallest Politician

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — All City Councilman Robert Cornegy had to do to break a world record was stand up ... and be measured.

The Bed-Stuy city councilman, named the tallest male elected official in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, was honored in City Hall Wednesday by Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was quick to point out he's allegedly the world's tallest mayor.

"Even at my size, I look up to Robert Cornegy," said de Blasio, who claims to stand 6-foot 5-inches. "He's brought politics to new heights."

Read Mayor Bill de Blasio's best tall jokes here.

Cornegy's name appeared in the 2019 edition of the world's most famous book of records after working for two years to earn recognition for his 6-foot 10-inch stature (6 feet and 11.5 inches in the morning), he claimed.

Guinness officials demanded six measurements, both standing and lying down, over the course of two days which had to be taken and verified by doctors, Cornegy said.

Tracking down a team to take Cornegy's measurements was a very tall order.

"[It] almost involved a call to the circus," Cornegy said.

Tall jokes, of which there were many, aside, Cornegy took a serious tone when he talked about the challenges associated with his height, one of which reporters witnessed in post-press conference interviews.

Cornegy can't stand up straight in a subway car and didn't know the measurements for his expensive suits because they are custom-designed, as are his size 17 shoes.

Cornegy also said he repeatedly has to tell his sons that they don't have to play basketball because they are tall, and feels he must keep reminding his 6-foot 6-inch daughter that's she's beautiful.

"We live in a visual society, what it can’t understand it ultimately destroys," Cornegy said. "Sports as a part of life, is great, but there are so many other ways that you can serve."

Cornegy also called out his city council colleague Laurie Cumbo for joking, "Oh my god, I can't believe they make jeans in your size."

The Bed-Stuy lawmaker, who said he's also been asked if he needs a special bed to sleep in, replied, "Would you say that to a hefty person?"

But the city-councilman also noted his height gives him a sense of presence and authority almost without effort, and added direction to his life.

"One of the good things is because of my height anytime I am somewhere I am present," said Cornegy. "[But] my choices were limited.... I had a short-lived life of crime."