NEW YORK—In a surprising political development, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City, signaling his return to the political arena after a prolonged hiatus resulting from numerous sexual harassment allegations.
Through a 17-minute campaign video, Cuomo presented himself as a seasoned moderate capable of redirecting a city he portrayed as dangerously “out of control.” He proposed himself as a leader who can skillfully navigate the complex political terrain of working with Republican President Donald Trump while opposing him when necessary.
“This won’t be easy, but I know that we can turn the city around, and I believe I can contribute,” Cuomo stated.
Despite the significant challenge of overcoming the scandal that triggered his resignation as governor in 2021, Cuomo is anticipated to launch a robust campaign. He joins a crowded primary race with numerous competitors who lack widespread recognition, alongside current Mayor Eric Adams, who faces federal corruption charges and criticism for perceived ties to Trump.
Cuomo enters the mayoral contest armed with a proven fundraising capability, three terms of gubernatorial accomplishments, and potential backing from moderates who played a pivotal role in electing Adams.
Nonetheless, uncertainties loom over whether the electorate is ready to extend forgiveness to Cuomo, whose fall from grace included a transition from being celebrated for his COVID-19 crisis management to being scrutinized for his interactions with women and pandemic-related decisions.
Within his campaign video, Cuomo subtly acknowledged previous “mistakes” but refrained from directly confronting the harassment allegations.
“I didn’t always get everything right in my years of public service,” he admitted. “But have I grown from my mistakes? Definitely. I believe I’m a better individual for it, and I aim to reflect that daily.”
Mayor Adams, speaking with Politico, welcomed Cuomo’s participation in the race, positing, “Come one, come all. I’ve got a strong record to run on. We’re prepared for an engaging campaign.”
Cuomo’s political resurrection has been a topic of speculation for some time as his team has worked to discredit his accusers. At least 11 women have accused Cuomo of harassment, describing unwanted advances and inappropriate comments. Though Cuomo has denied any sexual misconduct and a related case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, his denials have done little to quell controversy.
Efforts to defend Cuomo and his aides against relevant legal actions have cost taxpayers millions. Meanwhile, Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse him, argued that New York deserves higher standards, criticizing Cuomo for a “vengeful” legal approach toward accusers.
Boylan highlighted in Vanity Fair that Cuomo’s tactics have left some accusers enduring massive legal expenses as they navigate his retaliatory measures, stating, “New Yorkers deserve a fresh start without the burden of reliving the Andrew Cuomo saga.”
The Democratic primary already features a competitive lineup intended to challenge Mayor Adams, including city Comptroller Brad Lander and state legislators Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, with former city Comptroller Scott Stringer also in the mix despite previous harassment claims.
Ramos openly criticized Cuomo, labeling him a “corrupt bully,” while Myrie urged the city to move forward, warning against selfish leadership focused on personal power over citizen welfare.
Mayor Adams is not without his vulnerabilities, grappling with an ongoing probe into whether he received luxury perks in exchange for political favors. An effort by the Justice Department to dismiss campaign-related charges linked to Adams raised suspicions of a politically convenient arrangement designed to assist Trump’s federal agendas.
Having emerged through the political ranks under his father, former governor Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo held key roles such as U.S. Housing Secretary and New York Attorney General prior to his own gubernatorial tenure beginning in 2010. Cuomo gained national attention for his effective communication during the COVID-19 crisis, culminating in a significant book deal. Yet, subsequent accusations of misconduct and mismanagement of nursing home data led to his dramatic political exit.
Allegations concerning his administration’s handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes further eroded public trust. Critics contended that policies mandating nursing homes to admit virus-positive patients exacerbated fatalities, and Cuomo was accused of manipulating data to shield criticism.
Cuomo’s extensive campaign funds remain largely intact, though transitioning such resources to benefit a city campaign poses logistical hurdles due to the need for individual donor consents.
