Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple scandals, has returned to the political stage, announcing his bid to become New York City’s next mayor, a position currently held by fellow Democrat Eric Adams. “Our city is in crisis, and that’s why I am running to be Mayor of New York City,” Cuomo stated on his X account. “We need government to work. We need effective leadership.”
In a 17-minute campaign video, Cuomo highlighted his accomplishments as governor, such as legalizing same-sex marriage, rebuilding LaGuardia Airport, and guiding the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. “New Yorkers know the simple answer of what to do when there is a crisis in leadership. You lead, you act, you do,” he said in the video.
Cuomo resigned in August 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment, which he denies.
An investigation by the Justice Department found that Cuomo had subjected at least 13 women to a “sexually hostile work environment” during his time in office.
Despite this, Cuomo’s lawyer, Rita Glavin, maintained that it was a “political settlement” and claimed Cuomo did not harass anyone.
Cuomo is entering a crowded race to challenge Adams, with plans to raise $15 million through a super PAC named Fix the City, which would more than double the amount raised by Adams’ 2021 campaign PAC. Other Democratic challengers to Adams include State Senator Zellnor Myrie, City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Jessica Ramos, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and former Assembly member Michael Blake. Cuomo, the son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, previously served as President Bill Clinton’s Housing and Urban Development Secretary before being elected Attorney General and Governor of New York.
