Cuomo joins uncertain mayoral contest with strictly managed launch
The governor showcased his vision for the city, avoiding numerous questions from the press, as protesters gathered nearby.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Former Governor Andrew Cuomo addressed supporters at a heavily guarded union headquarters in Manhattan during his first campaign event for his New York City mayoral bid on Sunday. He faced a barrage of protests and criticism from campaign rivals at the event.
During the launch, the Democrat expressed his belief that the city, which he once governed from Albany, had strayed from its path and would benefit from his leadership as mayor. “We are here because we love New York and we know New York City is in trouble,” he said, following an introduction by his three daughters. “You feel it when you walk down the street and you see the mentally ill homeless people. You feel it when you walk down into the subway and you feel the anxiety rise up in your chest. You hear it when you hear the scream of the police sirens.”
Nearby, large crowds of protesters gathered to oppose his candidacy, branding the 67-year-old career politician a “corrupt power abuser” and a “groper,” accusing him of lying to and bullying women during his tenure in office.
This scenario highlights the significant obstacles Cuomo faces in his bid for a comeback, having resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment that he denies. He enters the race with polling advantages, financial backing from a supportive PAC, and widespread name recognition. However, as the leading candidate, he will be subjected to intense scrutiny.
His return to public speaking illustrated his historical dominance as a formidable governor while hinting at the challenges he may encounter when confronting current Mayor Eric Adams and other competitors in the June 24 primary.
Attendees, including journalists and supporters, had to pass through several checkpoints and were required to wear color-coded wristbands. A coach bus delivered supporters to the event, with numerous union members participating. However, some union attendees indicated they were unaware the event was related to Cuomo, having received messages from union leaders that described a “valuable opportunity” for engagement and collaboration. One message labeled it a “rally event.”
Two firms, Mercury Public Affairs and North Shore Strategies, were enlisted by Cuomo’s team to prevent protesters or disruptions from entering the venue. Nevertheless, managing a New York City mayoral race proves challenging, marked by unpredictable encounters that even established frontrunners cannot avoid.
Campaign rivals began attacking Cuomo’s record almost immediately after his launch video was released on Saturday. "We deserve better than former politicians clinging to power for clout,” Brooklyn state Senator Zellnor Myrie stated.
Despite the opposition, the former governor was welcomed by a packed audience inside the NYC District Council of Carpenters building, waving signs with his name. “One of the lessons I learned was when you are doing well you have a lot of friends,” Cuomo remarked, without elaborating further. "But then you hit a tough spot in life, which is inevitable that something is going to happen, and you hit that tough spot then you really find out who your friends are.”
Among his supporters were City Council member Farah Louis and Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, the latter of whom had previously supported the current mayor. The mayor's reelection campaign is marred by a federal indictment for corruption and political complications arising from President Trump, which could be beneficial legally but politically detrimental in a Democratic primary. He faces challenges including a skeletal campaign operation and a lack of public matching funds.
In his speech, Cuomo highlighted major infrastructure initiatives from his decade-long governorship, like the revamped LaGuardia Airport and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, while criticizing the progressive wing of his party for advocating budget cuts to police following George Floyd's murder. “One of the real mistakes that was made was cutting the police,” he told veteran reporter Marcia Kramer before being whisked away from the awaiting press.
“This was a very crowded event,” campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said. “The governor is going to have ample opportunity to talk to you guys. It's going to be a consequential and exciting couple of months. We’ll see you guys out on the trail.”
Cuomo’s legal representative, Rita Glavin, defended the decision to subpoena the gynecological records of one of his alleged victims, asserting their relevance. “It is absolutely pertinent, relevant,” she noted, adding a confidentiality agreement prevented further discussion. “I will be happy to explain in detail why they were absolutely necessary given what she was claiming was trauma,” she continued, referencing the potential lifting of the agreement.
Down the street, a coalition including the New York Working Families Party rallied with a “Women Against Cuomo” banner. “The contrast could not be starker,” Ana María Archila, co-director of the third party, remarked about the line of men entering the Carpenters’ Union HQ. “Andrew Cuomo is seeking refuge in a crowd of men as he launches his campaign for mayor while women are standing outside saying: ‘We have not forgotten the stories of the women that came forward. We have not forgotten the ways that Andrew Cuomo abused his power with his female employees.’”
“Maybe the carpenters think it's OK to have a groper in office. We don't,” Archila added.
The speakers referenced Brittany Commisso’s deposition from Attorney General Letitia James’ report regarding allegations against Cuomo. Commisso, a former executive assistant, accused him of groping her and kissing her without consent. Cuomo has denied these claims.
Cuomo has also recently filed a lawsuit against Charlotte Bennett, another executive assistant who accused him of sexual harassment, after she withdrew her lawsuit from federal court. Bennett continues to pursue her case against the state of New York.
Meanwhile, Cuomo's rivals are framing their criticisms based on his tenure as governor, suggesting he harmed New York City, particularly out of animosity for then-Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Pissing matches, self-aggrandizement and fear-mongering … we just see this pattern time and time again, and especially the part about taking money from New York City and putting it elsewhere,” city Comptroller Brad Lander stated at a press conference.
He specifically pointed to Cuomo’s funding choices concerning the MTA, including directing funds to a ski resort, and eliminating a state-funded voucher program for those exiting homeless shelters.
“Andrew Cuomo sounds to me like someone who hates New York City and wants to run on its problems for his own revenge fantasy,” Lander expressed.
Additionally, he described Cuomo’s event as “underwhelming,” noting a lack of attendance from prominent figures who might typically support such launches. “Very few so far – people who have either been in elected office or are leading organizations or are champions for this city – very few of them chose to join his launch today,” Lander observed, highlighting a gap in the anticipated strong backing Cuomo’s entrance into the race might have garnered.
Janaki Chada contributed to this report.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
During the launch, the Democrat expressed his belief that the city, which he once governed from Albany, had strayed from its path and would benefit from his leadership as mayor. “We are here because we love New York and we know New York City is in trouble,” he said, following an introduction by his three daughters. “You feel it when you walk down the street and you see the mentally ill homeless people. You feel it when you walk down into the subway and you feel the anxiety rise up in your chest. You hear it when you hear the scream of the police sirens.”
Nearby, large crowds of protesters gathered to oppose his candidacy, branding the 67-year-old career politician a “corrupt power abuser” and a “groper,” accusing him of lying to and bullying women during his tenure in office.
This scenario highlights the significant obstacles Cuomo faces in his bid for a comeback, having resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment that he denies. He enters the race with polling advantages, financial backing from a supportive PAC, and widespread name recognition. However, as the leading candidate, he will be subjected to intense scrutiny.
His return to public speaking illustrated his historical dominance as a formidable governor while hinting at the challenges he may encounter when confronting current Mayor Eric Adams and other competitors in the June 24 primary.
Attendees, including journalists and supporters, had to pass through several checkpoints and were required to wear color-coded wristbands. A coach bus delivered supporters to the event, with numerous union members participating. However, some union attendees indicated they were unaware the event was related to Cuomo, having received messages from union leaders that described a “valuable opportunity” for engagement and collaboration. One message labeled it a “rally event.”
Two firms, Mercury Public Affairs and North Shore Strategies, were enlisted by Cuomo’s team to prevent protesters or disruptions from entering the venue. Nevertheless, managing a New York City mayoral race proves challenging, marked by unpredictable encounters that even established frontrunners cannot avoid.
Campaign rivals began attacking Cuomo’s record almost immediately after his launch video was released on Saturday. "We deserve better than former politicians clinging to power for clout,” Brooklyn state Senator Zellnor Myrie stated.
Despite the opposition, the former governor was welcomed by a packed audience inside the NYC District Council of Carpenters building, waving signs with his name. “One of the lessons I learned was when you are doing well you have a lot of friends,” Cuomo remarked, without elaborating further. "But then you hit a tough spot in life, which is inevitable that something is going to happen, and you hit that tough spot then you really find out who your friends are.”
Among his supporters were City Council member Farah Louis and Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, the latter of whom had previously supported the current mayor. The mayor's reelection campaign is marred by a federal indictment for corruption and political complications arising from President Trump, which could be beneficial legally but politically detrimental in a Democratic primary. He faces challenges including a skeletal campaign operation and a lack of public matching funds.
In his speech, Cuomo highlighted major infrastructure initiatives from his decade-long governorship, like the revamped LaGuardia Airport and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, while criticizing the progressive wing of his party for advocating budget cuts to police following George Floyd's murder. “One of the real mistakes that was made was cutting the police,” he told veteran reporter Marcia Kramer before being whisked away from the awaiting press.
“This was a very crowded event,” campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said. “The governor is going to have ample opportunity to talk to you guys. It's going to be a consequential and exciting couple of months. We’ll see you guys out on the trail.”
Cuomo’s legal representative, Rita Glavin, defended the decision to subpoena the gynecological records of one of his alleged victims, asserting their relevance. “It is absolutely pertinent, relevant,” she noted, adding a confidentiality agreement prevented further discussion. “I will be happy to explain in detail why they were absolutely necessary given what she was claiming was trauma,” she continued, referencing the potential lifting of the agreement.
Down the street, a coalition including the New York Working Families Party rallied with a “Women Against Cuomo” banner. “The contrast could not be starker,” Ana María Archila, co-director of the third party, remarked about the line of men entering the Carpenters’ Union HQ. “Andrew Cuomo is seeking refuge in a crowd of men as he launches his campaign for mayor while women are standing outside saying: ‘We have not forgotten the stories of the women that came forward. We have not forgotten the ways that Andrew Cuomo abused his power with his female employees.’”
“Maybe the carpenters think it's OK to have a groper in office. We don't,” Archila added.
The speakers referenced Brittany Commisso’s deposition from Attorney General Letitia James’ report regarding allegations against Cuomo. Commisso, a former executive assistant, accused him of groping her and kissing her without consent. Cuomo has denied these claims.
Cuomo has also recently filed a lawsuit against Charlotte Bennett, another executive assistant who accused him of sexual harassment, after she withdrew her lawsuit from federal court. Bennett continues to pursue her case against the state of New York.
Meanwhile, Cuomo's rivals are framing their criticisms based on his tenure as governor, suggesting he harmed New York City, particularly out of animosity for then-Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Pissing matches, self-aggrandizement and fear-mongering … we just see this pattern time and time again, and especially the part about taking money from New York City and putting it elsewhere,” city Comptroller Brad Lander stated at a press conference.
He specifically pointed to Cuomo’s funding choices concerning the MTA, including directing funds to a ski resort, and eliminating a state-funded voucher program for those exiting homeless shelters.
“Andrew Cuomo sounds to me like someone who hates New York City and wants to run on its problems for his own revenge fantasy,” Lander expressed.
Additionally, he described Cuomo’s event as “underwhelming,” noting a lack of attendance from prominent figures who might typically support such launches. “Very few so far – people who have either been in elected office or are leading organizations or are champions for this city – very few of them chose to join his launch today,” Lander observed, highlighting a gap in the anticipated strong backing Cuomo’s entrance into the race might have garnered.
Janaki Chada contributed to this report.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
