NEW YORK — Since his resignation as governor of New York, many have speculated about Andrew Cuomo’s potential return to politics. That speculation became reality on Saturday when Cuomo announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City. Now, the pressing question is whether voters are willing to welcome him back into the political arena.
In his recent campaign announcement and a subsequent speech, Cuomo depicted New York City as a city besieged by crises. He positioned himself as a decisive leader prepared to tackle issues like homelessness and the soaring cost of living. However, his entrance into the mayoral race has been met with opposition from those who believe he does not deserve another chance.
Cuomo stepped down as governor in August 2021, facing the inevitability of impeachment. An investigation ordered by the state’s attorney general found that Cuomo had sexually harassed at least 11 women. Allegations included unwanted touching, inappropriate flirting, and comments about personal lives or appearances. Although one aide accused him of groping, resulting in a criminal complaint, the district attorney of Albany chose not to prosecute due to insufficient evidence.
Pleading for his resignation were many prominent Democrats, including then-President Joe Biden, ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and New York’s senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Cuomo apologized for certain behaviors that made individuals uncomfortable, but he denied the more severe allegations, particularly regarding sexual assault.
Opinions about Cuomo’s return vary, particularly among his accusers. Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse him, wrote in Vanity Fair that allowing Cuomo back into public office would be erroneous. She referred to a “scorched earth” tactic to taint the credibility of his accusers and argued that Cuomo still holds significant sway because powerful individuals remain wary of him.
Addressing his past actions indirectly, Cuomo admitted to mistakes and expressed a desire to demonstrate what he has learned, promising vigorous efforts to govern effectively. He has previously ascribed his political downfall to “cancel culture.”
As governor, Cuomo’s accomplishments included the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York and infrastructure advancements like the revitalization of LaGuardia Airport, the construction of Moynihan Train Hall, and the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge. He also enacted progressive laws, such as a minimum wage increase to $15 and paid family leave.
Cuomo administered several revitalization initiatives, notably allocating $1 billion to boost Buffalo’s economy, which included subsidies to a Tesla-operated factory. Nevertheless, the fruition of that program sparked a corruption scandal leading to the indictment of close Cuomo associates, although key convictions were reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Cuomo rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic’s early days with his widely watched briefings. He imposed stringent social-distancing measures and later facilitated vaccination efforts. However, he was criticized for underreporting nursing home deaths linked to a briefly enforced policy forbidding facilities from rejecting COVID-19 patients.
Cuomo sees an opportunity in the upcoming mayoral election. The current mayor, Eric Adams, has been embroiled in a federal corruption case regarding alleged acceptance of illicit perks. The case was dismissed by the Department of Justice on grounds related to Adams’ cooperation with former President Trump’s initiatives, deepening suspicions of his affiliation with Trump.
The current political landscape in New York City finds many candidates in the primary leaning significantly left of both Adams and Cuomo. This presents voters with a choice between liberal candidates and two scandal-plagued Democratic figures. Cuomo is optimistic he can emerge as the preferred moderate choice.
