"Andrew Cuomo Announces Campaign for New York City Mayor"
The former New York governor, currently facing the fallout of a scandal, emerges as the early frontrunner in a competitive Democratic race.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is entering the competitive race to unseat New York City Mayor Eric Adams, marking a significant bid to return to the political arena following a tumultuous exit from office.
A well-known figure in New York politics for decades, Cuomo announced his candidacy in a 17-minute video on Saturday morning, highlighting the widespread anxiety among residents regarding the city's current trajectory and ongoing crime concerns. He attributed these issues to "failed Democratic leadership."
“The first step toward solving a problem is having the strength, having the courage, to recognize it and we know that today our New York City is in trouble,” Cuomo stated. “The city just feels threatening, out of control and in crisis. These conditions exist not as an act of God, but rather as an act of our political leaders — or more precisely, the lack of intelligent action by many of our political leaders.”
Shortly before releasing his video, Cuomo spoke with a PMG reporter, emphasizing his focus on “the future of the City of New York and how do we get out of this crisis” as he participated in a candidate screening by the influential labor union 32BJ SEIU, which represents building service workers.
In his launch video, he expressed willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration but pledged to stand firm against the president and his former colleagues in Albany when necessary.
“I have worked with President Trump in many different situations, and I hope President Trump remembers his hometown and works with us to make it better,” he remarked. “But make no mistake: I will stand up and fight for New York.”
He plans to hold a rally with supporters on Sunday.
Cuomo enters the race with significant name recognition, favorable poll numbers, a history of achievements, and a polished campaign operation aimed at demonstrating immediate strength with the Democratic primary just under four months away. However, his controversial past may resonate in early polls, providing targets for opponents eager to capitalize on his vulnerabilities.
The former governor resigned in 2021 following a report from Attorney General Letitia James that found he sexually harassed 11 women. His handling of COVID-19, which initially garnered national acclaim, became contentious after it was revealed that his administration directed nursing homes to accept sick patients while underreporting deaths among facility residents during the pandemic's early days.
Cuomo has consistently denied wrongdoing and claimed that the scandals were the result of political attacks from adversaries in both New York and Washington. Lesser-known candidates in the mayoral race are expected to exploit these weaknesses as they aim to capture Cuomo’s broad support.
Acknowledging the controversies surrounding his departure from office, Cuomo refrained from specific details but admitted he could have approached certain matters differently.
“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service? Of course not,” he acknowledged in the video. “Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly. Did I make mistakes? Some painfully? Definitely.”
The lengthy announcement also laid out policy ideas, including a focus on e-bike safety, expanding affordable housing, job training investments, and a commitment to combat antisemitism.
Cuomo's entry into the race further complicates Mayor Adams’ already precarious chances for reelection, particularly as both politicians vie for a coalition of working-class, Black, and Orthodox Jewish voters.
Adams finds himself amid a crisis, still dealing with a federal corruption investigation despite President Donald Trump’s Justice Department seeking to dismiss charges against him. What he anticipated would be a straightforward dismissal evolved into a political struggle, culminating in the resignation of the acting federal prosecutor in Manhattan over claims of a quid pro quo involving the mayor's cooperation with White House deportation initiatives. Adams' attorney has denied the accusation, and the mayor is facing calls for his resignation.
Adams’ vulnerable position, highlighted by his campaign's rocky start, presents Cuomo with what he sees as a clear opportunity as they rush toward the June 24 election. The race is likely to center on issues of disorder in the streets and subways, voter frustration, and the demand for a strong Democratic leader willing to confront Trump.
With a formidable fundraising operation and a team of veteran advisors, including Charlie King and Jennifer Bayer Michaels, Cuomo's campaign has been in preparation for months. He has already gained endorsements from high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Ritchie Torres, and anticipates support from the city’s carpenter’s union.
However, his recent connections to the city are tenuous. Although a Queens native, Cuomo has lived primarily in suburban Westchester County or Albany for the last two decades. He only registered to vote in Manhattan last year, according to Board of Elections records.
Cuomo joins a diverse field that includes a democratic Socialist, experienced city politicians, and younger representatives from Queens and Brooklyn. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is expected to enter the race soon after recently forming a campaign committee. She was seen at the 32BJ SEIU candidate screening but did not respond to reporters.
The former governor is likely to present himself as a strong leader amid growing concerns over crime and disorder, positioning as a Democratic counter to Trump. Torres remarked that the city needs “Mr. Tough Guy” to face the aggressive former president.
Cuomo's impressive track record as governor — which includes advancing same-sex marriage and major developments like Moynihan Train Hall and LaGuardia Airport upgrades — will almost certainly be integral to his campaign message.
Though his return to politics seemed unlikely nearly four years ago amidst numerous scandals, Cuomo's supporters feel he has regained some political footing since leaving office. Notably, one woman who accused him of harassment recently dropped her lawsuit, and several prosecutors have opted not to pursue charges against him. Last year, a Justice Department inspector general found that the investigation into his nursing home policies was politically motivated.
An independent expenditure committee has spent considerable resources criticizing Cuomo’s COVID response and his history of opposing Black Democrats, though advertisements aired so far have not diminished his lead in the polls. Another anti-Cuomo group is also forming.
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, one of Cuomo’s rivals, previously circulated a memo that drew attention to his political vulnerabilities.
Cuomo's campaign marks a significant risk for the 67-year-old son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, as his supporters assert that he wants to avoid joining the ranks of other scandal-tainted New York politicians like Eliot Spitzer or Anthony Weiner.
As an experienced campaigner, Cuomo has yet to navigate a race with such uncertain outcomes. Given his frontrunner status, he will likely face scrutiny from all candidates in a media-focused city. Additionally, he has never participated in a matching-funds campaign finance system with such restrictive donation limits, and the implementation of ranked-choice voting during its second election cycle complicates the landscape.
If elected, he would assume a prominent role and — as John Lindsay once remarked — manage the second-toughest job in American politics, with direct access to national media. He would also preside over the largest municipal police force in the country, overseeing a $115 billion budget and a vast government structure. While the office is prestigious, it is also known for being heavily influenced by Albany — an experience Cuomo is familiar with from his time as governor, when he often clashed with then-Mayor Bill de Blasio in a well-documented feud.
Nevertheless, Cuomo is expected to utilize the resources of the mayor’s office and media access to his benefit.
First, however, he must secure victory in an environment that promises challenges from both the left and the right.
During his governorship, Cuomo implemented a contentious law that restricted cash bail requirements in criminal cases, which critics blame for rising crime rates. He also initially secured legislative approval for the Manhattan toll program known as congestion pricing, which Trump has since threatened to reverse, labeling the toll a “terrible tax” on New Yorkers.
Left-leaning activists are likely to criticize Cuomo for his moderate fiscal stance and reluctance to increase taxes, alongside his management of the financially troubled Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Andrew Cuomo is for himself and only himself, and is hoping New Yorkers will forget his disastrous record for our city of endless scandals, destroying the subway, and cutting basic services,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, one of Cuomo’s new opponents. “The good news is we will end the Adams-Cuomo nightmare of corruption and chaos, and finally send both to their retirement.”
Jason Beeferman contributed to this report.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
A well-known figure in New York politics for decades, Cuomo announced his candidacy in a 17-minute video on Saturday morning, highlighting the widespread anxiety among residents regarding the city's current trajectory and ongoing crime concerns. He attributed these issues to "failed Democratic leadership."
“The first step toward solving a problem is having the strength, having the courage, to recognize it and we know that today our New York City is in trouble,” Cuomo stated. “The city just feels threatening, out of control and in crisis. These conditions exist not as an act of God, but rather as an act of our political leaders — or more precisely, the lack of intelligent action by many of our political leaders.”
Shortly before releasing his video, Cuomo spoke with a PMG reporter, emphasizing his focus on “the future of the City of New York and how do we get out of this crisis” as he participated in a candidate screening by the influential labor union 32BJ SEIU, which represents building service workers.
In his launch video, he expressed willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration but pledged to stand firm against the president and his former colleagues in Albany when necessary.
“I have worked with President Trump in many different situations, and I hope President Trump remembers his hometown and works with us to make it better,” he remarked. “But make no mistake: I will stand up and fight for New York.”
He plans to hold a rally with supporters on Sunday.
Cuomo enters the race with significant name recognition, favorable poll numbers, a history of achievements, and a polished campaign operation aimed at demonstrating immediate strength with the Democratic primary just under four months away. However, his controversial past may resonate in early polls, providing targets for opponents eager to capitalize on his vulnerabilities.
The former governor resigned in 2021 following a report from Attorney General Letitia James that found he sexually harassed 11 women. His handling of COVID-19, which initially garnered national acclaim, became contentious after it was revealed that his administration directed nursing homes to accept sick patients while underreporting deaths among facility residents during the pandemic's early days.
Cuomo has consistently denied wrongdoing and claimed that the scandals were the result of political attacks from adversaries in both New York and Washington. Lesser-known candidates in the mayoral race are expected to exploit these weaknesses as they aim to capture Cuomo’s broad support.
Acknowledging the controversies surrounding his departure from office, Cuomo refrained from specific details but admitted he could have approached certain matters differently.
“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service? Of course not,” he acknowledged in the video. “Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly. Did I make mistakes? Some painfully? Definitely.”
The lengthy announcement also laid out policy ideas, including a focus on e-bike safety, expanding affordable housing, job training investments, and a commitment to combat antisemitism.
Cuomo's entry into the race further complicates Mayor Adams’ already precarious chances for reelection, particularly as both politicians vie for a coalition of working-class, Black, and Orthodox Jewish voters.
Adams finds himself amid a crisis, still dealing with a federal corruption investigation despite President Donald Trump’s Justice Department seeking to dismiss charges against him. What he anticipated would be a straightforward dismissal evolved into a political struggle, culminating in the resignation of the acting federal prosecutor in Manhattan over claims of a quid pro quo involving the mayor's cooperation with White House deportation initiatives. Adams' attorney has denied the accusation, and the mayor is facing calls for his resignation.
Adams’ vulnerable position, highlighted by his campaign's rocky start, presents Cuomo with what he sees as a clear opportunity as they rush toward the June 24 election. The race is likely to center on issues of disorder in the streets and subways, voter frustration, and the demand for a strong Democratic leader willing to confront Trump.
With a formidable fundraising operation and a team of veteran advisors, including Charlie King and Jennifer Bayer Michaels, Cuomo's campaign has been in preparation for months. He has already gained endorsements from high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Ritchie Torres, and anticipates support from the city’s carpenter’s union.
However, his recent connections to the city are tenuous. Although a Queens native, Cuomo has lived primarily in suburban Westchester County or Albany for the last two decades. He only registered to vote in Manhattan last year, according to Board of Elections records.
Cuomo joins a diverse field that includes a democratic Socialist, experienced city politicians, and younger representatives from Queens and Brooklyn. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is expected to enter the race soon after recently forming a campaign committee. She was seen at the 32BJ SEIU candidate screening but did not respond to reporters.
The former governor is likely to present himself as a strong leader amid growing concerns over crime and disorder, positioning as a Democratic counter to Trump. Torres remarked that the city needs “Mr. Tough Guy” to face the aggressive former president.
Cuomo's impressive track record as governor — which includes advancing same-sex marriage and major developments like Moynihan Train Hall and LaGuardia Airport upgrades — will almost certainly be integral to his campaign message.
Though his return to politics seemed unlikely nearly four years ago amidst numerous scandals, Cuomo's supporters feel he has regained some political footing since leaving office. Notably, one woman who accused him of harassment recently dropped her lawsuit, and several prosecutors have opted not to pursue charges against him. Last year, a Justice Department inspector general found that the investigation into his nursing home policies was politically motivated.
An independent expenditure committee has spent considerable resources criticizing Cuomo’s COVID response and his history of opposing Black Democrats, though advertisements aired so far have not diminished his lead in the polls. Another anti-Cuomo group is also forming.
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, one of Cuomo’s rivals, previously circulated a memo that drew attention to his political vulnerabilities.
Cuomo's campaign marks a significant risk for the 67-year-old son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, as his supporters assert that he wants to avoid joining the ranks of other scandal-tainted New York politicians like Eliot Spitzer or Anthony Weiner.
As an experienced campaigner, Cuomo has yet to navigate a race with such uncertain outcomes. Given his frontrunner status, he will likely face scrutiny from all candidates in a media-focused city. Additionally, he has never participated in a matching-funds campaign finance system with such restrictive donation limits, and the implementation of ranked-choice voting during its second election cycle complicates the landscape.
If elected, he would assume a prominent role and — as John Lindsay once remarked — manage the second-toughest job in American politics, with direct access to national media. He would also preside over the largest municipal police force in the country, overseeing a $115 billion budget and a vast government structure. While the office is prestigious, it is also known for being heavily influenced by Albany — an experience Cuomo is familiar with from his time as governor, when he often clashed with then-Mayor Bill de Blasio in a well-documented feud.
Nevertheless, Cuomo is expected to utilize the resources of the mayor’s office and media access to his benefit.
First, however, he must secure victory in an environment that promises challenges from both the left and the right.
During his governorship, Cuomo implemented a contentious law that restricted cash bail requirements in criminal cases, which critics blame for rising crime rates. He also initially secured legislative approval for the Manhattan toll program known as congestion pricing, which Trump has since threatened to reverse, labeling the toll a “terrible tax” on New Yorkers.
Left-leaning activists are likely to criticize Cuomo for his moderate fiscal stance and reluctance to increase taxes, alongside his management of the financially troubled Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Andrew Cuomo is for himself and only himself, and is hoping New Yorkers will forget his disastrous record for our city of endless scandals, destroying the subway, and cutting basic services,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, one of Cuomo’s new opponents. “The good news is we will end the Adams-Cuomo nightmare of corruption and chaos, and finally send both to their retirement.”
Jason Beeferman contributed to this report.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
