NEW YORK — On Saturday, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared his candidacy for mayor of New York City, marking a significant step in his attempt to revive his political career after enduring a prolonged period of exile due to multiple allegations of sexual harassment.
In a 17-minute campaign announcement video, Cuomo characterized himself as a seasoned moderate capable of restoring order to a city he described as feeling unsafe and “out of control.” He emphasized his ability to collaborate with Republican President Donald Trump while also being prepared to challenge him when necessary.
“I won’t pretend this will be a walk in the park. It’s going to be tough, but I genuinely believe we can turn the city around, and that’s why I’m announcing my candidacy for mayor of New York City today,” he stated.
Despite the baggage from the scandal that led to his resignation as governor in 2021, the Democrat is expected to run a strong campaign.
Cuomo will be facing a field of primary challengers with limited name recognition, alongside the current mayor, Eric Adams, who is currently under indictment on federal corruption charges and facing criticism regarding his ties to Trump.
With robust fundraising capabilities, a notable record from his three terms as governor, and possible backing from many moderate voters who previously supported Adams, Cuomo enters the race with strategic advantages.
However, it remains uncertain whether voters are inclined to grant Cuomo another opportunity after his dramatic fall from grace 3 1/2 years ago, when he transitioned from being lauded 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 acknowledged past “mistakes” but refrained from directly addressing the harassment claims.
“Did I do everything perfectly during my time in public service? Absolutely not,” he reflected. “Would I approach some 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 aim to demonstrate that growth daily.”
Following Cuomo’s announcement, Mayor Adams expressed his willingness to welcome all candidates into the race. Acknowledging the competition, he stated, “Let everyone come forward with their ideas. I have a solid record to run on and look forward to the campaign.”
Aiming for a Comeback Amidst Controversy
Cuomo has been contemplating a political comeback for years, with his legal team and political advisors working to discredit his accusers.
At least 11 women have credibly accused him of sexual harassment, detailing incidents of unwanted physical contact and inappropriate comments regarding their appearance and personal lives, as outlined in a report from New York’s attorney general. One former aide even filed a criminal complaint alleging that Cuomo had groped her in the governor’s mansion in late 2020.
Cuomo denied the sexual assault allegations, which a prosecutor eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence for a conviction.
Regarding other claims, Cuomo contended 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 stemming from the allegations.
A Competitive Field of Opponents
The race for mayor already features several candidates aiming to unseat Adams in the upcoming June Democratic primary.
Among the contenders 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 candidate in the last mayoral election until a woman accused him of unwanted sexual advances two decades ago.
In response to Cuomo’s announcement, Ramos labeled him a “corrupt bully” who offers nothing but complications to the race.
Myrie voiced 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 running for reelection but faces challenges stemming from federal criminal charges against him. The U.S. Justice Department has made attempts to dismiss the case despite opposition from the prosecutors involved.
Indictments have claimed that Adams accepted illicit 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 the charges to be dropped so that Adams could focus on supporting the president’s immigration initiatives, although the possibility remains that the case could resurface post-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 agreement while facing mounting pressure to resign, which could result in 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 later 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 potential 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 would be a complex process requiring approval from each donor, presenting a significant logistical challenge.
