NEW YORK — On Saturday, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo officially announced his intention to run for mayor of New York City, a pivotal move in his quest to rejuvenate his political career following a lengthy period of exile amid numerous sexual harassment allegations.
In a 17-minute video detailing his campaign, Cuomo presented himself as a pragmatic moderate ready to restore order in a city he described as feeling increasingly unsafe and “out of control.” He stressed his experience in working alongside Republican President Donald Trump while also indicating he would not shy away from confronting him when necessary.
“I won’t pretend that this will be an easy journey. It’s going to be challenging, but I truly believe we have the potential to turn this city around, which is why I’m declaring my candidacy for mayor of New York City today,” he declared.
Despite the weight of the scandal that led to his resignation in 2021, many believe the Democrat will launch a formidable campaign.
Cuomo will find himself in a crowded primary field, competing against lesser-known challengers, as well as the current mayor, Eric Adams, who is grappling with federal corruption charges and scrutiny over his connections to Trump.
Equipped 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 strategic advantages.
Nevertheless, it remains unclear if voters are willing to grant Cuomo a second chance after his significant fall from grace 3.5 years ago, when he shifted from being praised for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic to facing severe backlash over his treatment of women and questions surrounding his pandemic response.
In his campaign video, Cuomo admitted to past “mistakes” but did not directly address the harassment allegations.
“Did I handle everything flawlessly during my public service? Absolutely not,” he reflected. “Would I approach 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 announcement, Mayor Adams expressed his openness to welcoming all candidates into the race. Recognizing the competition, he said, “Let everyone come forward with their ideas. I have a solid record to run on and look forward to the campaign.”
Seeking a Political Comeback Amidst Controversy
Cuomo has been contemplating a return to politics for years, with his legal team and political advisors working diligently to discredit his accusers.
At least 11 women have credibly accused him of sexual harassment, detailing incidents involving unwanted physical contact and inappropriate remarks about their appearance and personal lives, as reported by New York’s attorney general. One former aide even filed a criminal complaint alleging that Cuomo groped her in the governor’s mansion in late 2020.
Cuomo has denied the sexual assault allegations, which were eventually dropped by a prosecutor due to a lack of evidence for a conviction.
Regarding other claims, Cuomo asserted that he did not intentionally mistreat anyone and that he simply lagged behind evolving standards of appropriate workplace behavior.
The state has incurred millions in legal expenses defending him and his close aides against various lawsuits related to the allegations.
A Competitive Race Ahead
The mayoral race is already shaping up with several candidates vying to unseat Adams in the forthcoming June Democratic primary.
Among the candidates 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 leading contender in the last mayoral race until a woman accused him of unwanted sexual advances two decades ago.
In reaction to Cuomo’s announcement, Ramos called him a “corrupt bully” who adds unnecessary complications to the race.
Myrie expressed that New Yorkers should not have to relive “the Andrew Cuomo saga,” asserting, “We deserve leaders who prioritize the needs of New Yorkers over their own ambitions.”
A Vulnerable Incumbent
Mayor Adams is also seeking reelection but faces significant challenges stemming from federal criminal charges against him. The U.S. Justice Department has attempted to dismiss the case, despite opposition from the involved prosecutors.
The indictments allege that Adams accepted illicit travel perks and campaign donations from individuals seeking to influence him, including foreign nationals. Following Trump’s inauguration, a senior Justice Department official ordered the dismissal of the charges so Adams could focus on supporting the president’s immigration initiatives; however, the possibility remains that the case could resurface after the election.
This situation has led critics to suggest that Adams may have struck a deal to assist with Trump’s immigration policies in exchange for legal protection.
Adams has firmly denied any such arrangement while facing increasing pressure to resign, a scenario that 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 journey began with his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, and included roles 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, characterized by clear communication about the virus, garnered national admiration and solidified his reputation as a steady leader during tumultuous 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 accusations of misconduct surfaced in late 2020 and early 2021, Cuomo faced the prospect of impeachment before ultimately resigning. A state ethics board attempted to compel him to return the proceeds from his book deal after discovering he had utilized state resources to produce, edit, and publish it.
Controversies Surrounding COVID-19 Management
Cuomo’s reputation further deteriorated due to allegations that a directive from his administration inadvertently contributed to a surge in COVID-19 fatalities in nursing homes by initially requiring them to readmit patients who had tested positive for the virus after being discharged from hospitals.
While Cuomo defended his actions as unfounded 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 presents a complex challenge requiring approval from each donor, making it a significant logistical hurdle.
