Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid scandals in 2021, has re-emerged on the political scene as he aims to become New York City’s next mayor, replacing fellow Democrat Eric Adams.
“Our city is in a crisis. That is why I am running for Mayor of New York City,” the former governor wrote on his X account. “We need the government to function. “We need effective leadership.”
Cuomo also announced his candidacy in a 17-minute video that highlighted his accomplishments as governor, including legalizing same-sex marriage, rebuilding LaGuardia Airport, and guiding the state through the COVID-19 crisis.
“New Yorkers understand the simple solution to a leadership crisis. “You lead, act, and do,” Cuomo said in the video. “I had the honor of serving the public at all levels of government… I believe the government can make a positive difference because we did.”
Cuomo resigned from office in August 2021, citing sexual harassment allegations that he denies. Current Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat who had served as Cuomo’s lieutenant, took over the job and was reelected the following year.
The Justice Department determined that the former governor created a “sexually hostile work environment” for at least 13 women while in office, according to a January 2024 announcement. The Department revealed its findings as part of an agreement to settle claims that Cuomo’s office “engaged in a pattern or practice of sexual harassment and retaliation” in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agreement acknowledged the changes Hochul made or agreed to make in the office.
Rita Glavin, Cuomo’s attorney, said in a statement at the time that it was a “political settlement without an investigation.”
“Governor Cuomo did not sexually harass anyone,” Glavin explained. “The DOJ ‘investigation’ was entirely based on the New York Attorney General’s deeply flawed, inaccurate, biased, and misleading report. At no point did the DOJ contact Governor Cuomo about these matters.”
Cuomo enters a crowded race to unseat Adams with deep pockets. On Wednesday, Cuomo campaign allies filed paperwork with the New York Board of Elections to form Fix the City, a super political action committee.
According to the New York Times, the group aims to raise $15 million, more than doubling the amount raised by Adams’ super PAC during his 2021 campaign for office.
Adams’ Democratic challengers, in addition to Cuomo, include State Senator Zellnor Myrie, City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Jessica Ramos, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and former state Assembly member Michael Blake.
Cuomo, whose father was governor, was President Bill Clinton’s Housing and Urban Development secretary before becoming New York’s attorney general and governor.
