On Saturday in New York, former Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his intention to run for mayor of New York City, a crucial move in his effort to reignite his political career following a lengthy period of political isolation due to multiple sexual harassment allegations.
In a 17-minute video outlining his campaign, Cuomo positioned himself as a pragmatic moderate capable of restoring stability to a city he described as feeling unsafe and “out of control.” He highlighted his previous collaborations with Republican President Donald Trump, indicating he could work with him while also ready to stand up against him when necessary.
“I won’t pretend this will be an easy journey. It’s going to be challenging, but I firmly believe we can revitalize our city, which is why I am announcing my candidacy for mayor of New York City today,” Cuomo declared.
Despite the controversies that led to his resignation in 2021, the Democrat is anticipated to launch a vigorous campaign.
Cuomo will contend with a group of primary challengers who have limited recognition, in addition to the current mayor, Eric Adams, who is currently facing federal corruption charges and criticism for his ties to Trump.
With strong fundraising capabilities, a notable track record from his three terms as governor, and potential support from moderate voters who previously backed Adams, Cuomo enters the race with certain strategic advantages.
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether voters are willing to extend another chance to Cuomo following his dramatic fall from grace 3.5 years ago, when he went from being praised for his COVID-19 leadership to facing intense scrutiny for his treatment of women and his pandemic response.
In his campaign video, Cuomo acknowledged previous “mistakes” but did not specifically address the harassment allegations.
“Did I handle everything flawlessly during my public service? Absolutely not,” he reflected. “Would I tackle certain situations differently today? Certainly. Did I make mistakes, some of which were quite painful? Definitely. I believe I’ve learned from those experiences, and I strive to show that growth every day.”
In response to Cuomo’s candidacy, Mayor Adams expressed his openness to all contenders entering the race. Acknowledging the competition, he remarked, “Let everyone present their ideas. I have a solid record to campaign on and look forward to the election.”
Seeking Redemption Amid Controversy
Cuomo has been contemplating a political return for several years, with his legal team and political advisors working to undermine the credibility of his accusers.
At least 11 women have made credible accusations against him for sexual harassment, detailing incidents of unwanted physical contact and inappropriate remarks about their appearances and personal matters, as outlined in a report by New York’s attorney general. Notably, one former aide filed a criminal complaint alleging that Cuomo groped her at the governor’s mansion in late 2020.
Cuomo has denied the sexual assault claims, which a prosecutor later dropped due to lack of evidence supporting a conviction.
Regarding other allegations, Cuomo argued that he did not intentionally mistreat anyone and merely fell behind the evolving standards of appropriate workplace behavior.
The state has incurred millions in legal costs defending him and his close aides against various lawsuits related to these allegations.
A Competitive Landscape
The mayoral race is already crowded with candidates looking to unseat Adams in the upcoming June Democratic primary.
Among those in the running are city Comptroller Brad Lander, state Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who was once a frontrunner in the last mayoral election until a woman accused him of unwanted sexual advances two decades ago.
In reaction to Cuomo’s announcement, Ramos labeled him a “corrupt bully,” asserting that he brings nothing but complications to the race.
Myrie expressed that New Yorkers should not have to revisit “the Andrew Cuomo saga,” insisting, “We deserve leaders who prioritize the needs of New Yorkers over their own ambitions.”
A Vulnerable Incumbent
Mayor Adams is also seeking reelection but is grappling with challenges stemming from federal criminal charges against him. The U.S. Justice Department has attempted to dismiss the case, despite opposition from the prosecutors involved.
Indictments have claimed that Adams accepted illegal travel perks and campaign contributions from individuals seeking to gain his influence, including foreign nationals. Following Trump’s inauguration, a senior Justice Department official ordered that the charges be dropped so Adams could focus on supporting the president’s immigration agenda, although there is a possibility the case could resurface after the election.
This situation has led critics to suggest that Adams may have made a deal to assist with Trump’s immigration policies in exchange for legal protection.
Adams has categorically denied any such agreement while facing increasing pressure to resign, which could lead to his removal by Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat. Some of his senior staff have already announced their intention to resign in protest.
A Rapid Rise and Fall
Cuomo’s political career began with his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, and included roles such as U.S. housing secretary under President Bill Clinton and New York attorney general, culminating in his election as governor in 2010.
His prominence peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his daily press briefings, noted for their clear communication regarding the virus, drew national acclaim and solidified his image as a steady leader during chaotic times. His briefings even earned him an international Emmy award and led to a lucrative book deal worth over $5 million for his publication “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic.”
However, as allegations of misconduct emerged in late 2020 and early 2021, Cuomo faced the potential of impeachment before ultimately resigning. A state ethics board sought to compel him to return the proceeds from his book deal after discovering that he had utilized state resources to produce, edit, and publish it.
Controversies Surrounding COVID-19 Management
Cuomo’s reputation further declined due to allegations that a directive from his administration inadvertently contributed to a rise in COVID-19 fatalities in nursing homes by initially mandating that they readmit patients who had tested positive for the virus after being discharged from hospitals.
While Cuomo defended his actions as unjust criticism, investigations revealed that his administration had significantly underreported nursing home deaths in an effort to deflect blame.
Although Cuomo maintains a substantial campaign war chest that could be utilized in his mayoral bid, transferring his state campaign funds to a city committee would be a complex process requiring approval from each donor, posing a significant logistical hurdle.
