Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City on Saturday, launching a political comeback after resigning in August 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations. His entry into the race, confirmed in a 17-minute video posted on X, sets the stage for a contentious Democratic primary ahead of the June 2025 election.
"We know that our New York City is in trouble," Cuomo said in the video. "You feel it when you walk down the street and try not to make eye contact with a mentally ill homeless person, or when the anxiety rises up in your chest as you're walking down the subway." He blamed city leadership for the "lack of intelligent action" in tackling crime and homelessness.
Cuomo, who served three terms as governor, positioned himself as a candidate focused on public safety and governance efficiency. He called for a significant increase in police presence on the subway, stating, "People stand with their backs against the walls, away from the tracks, because they fear being the next victim." He also criticized what he described as a decline in respect for law enforcement, arguing, "Police have been devalued," and vowed to restore "mutual respect" between officers and residents.
The former governor highlighted his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, branding it a "historic life and death challenge", despite controversy over his administration's reporting of nursing home deaths. He also touted his ability to implement large-scale infrastructure projects and policy initiatives, asserting that "government can make a positive difference."
Cuomo's entry complicates the re-election bid of incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is battling declining approval ratings and a federal corruption probe related to alleged financial ties with Turkish nationals. Adams, who has denied any wrongdoing, remains under legal scrutiny while defending his administration's policies on immigration and public safety.
Recent opinion polls indicate that Cuomo could be a frontrunner in the Democratic primary, leveraging his name recognition and political experience. His campaign has gained support from key figures, including Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), who told the New York Post: "Andrew Cuomo has the competence to govern the city... We don't need a Mr. Nice Guy. We need a Mr. Tough Guy."
However, Cuomo's bid has also reignited criticism from his past scandals. Karen Hinton, a former aide who accused Cuomo of sexual misconduct, told the New York Post, "New York City may elect a mayor who has been rightfully accused of sexual misconduct by several young women who worked for him in up-close positions." Cuomo has denied the allegations but resigned in 2021 after an independent investigation found that he had sexually harassed 11 women.
His campaign is backed by Fix the City, a political action committee aiming to raise $15 million for his mayoral run. Meanwhile, Cuomo's former political rival, Governor Kathy Hochul, has refrained from endorsing any candidate in the race but has hinted at limiting Mayor Adams' authority amid growing controversies surrounding his administration.
The Democratic primary is set for June 2025, with the winner expected to prevail in November's general election, given the city's heavily Democratic electorate.
