Cuomo Plans to Nominate Close Associate for Probable NYC Mayoral Race Against Adams
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is considering a February launch date for his possible campaign.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is turning to a longtime ally as he prepares to launch what is likely a campaign for New York City mayor, with plans for a potential rollout in February, according to six sources familiar with the situation who spoke to PMG.
Cuomo is expected to hire Charlie King, a consultant with a history of collaboration with the Democrat spanning several decades. King worked alongside Cuomo during his tenure as housing secretary in the Clinton administration in the 1990s and was chosen by Cuomo as his running mate during a failed gubernatorial campaign in 2002. Despite competing for the Democratic attorney general nomination in 2006, their friendship has endured.
King did not deny reports of his involvement in Cuomo’s potential campaign. “As far as I know, there is no Cuomo campaign for mayor but should that change, I’m sure everyone will know who is on board,” he said Wednesday in a text message. “Judging by the unsolicited proposals and resumes that have flooded in, should the former governor decide to run, I'm sure he'll have his pick.”
King is a partner at Mercury Public Affairs, a consulting and lobbying firm based in Manhattan with a national presence. He has been assessing other potential staff members for the campaign, according to three individuals familiar with the operation.
Cuomo is also contemplating an early February launch, mindful of the upcoming political timeline. Petitioning for ballot access starts on February 25 and is due by April 3, with the Democratic primary set for June 24.
Initial advice from Cuomo's advisers suggested he might avoid a primary challenge against Mayor Eric Adams. Both politicians attract support from Black and Jewish voters, which could pose a risk for Cuomo, given that Adams is the city's second Black mayor. However, the situation has evolved as Adams faces significant legal challenges, prompting three sources in touch with Cuomo to inform PMG that he is actively preparing for a potential campaign against the incumbent. These sources spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Cuomo's private considerations.
Spokesperson Rich Azzopardi emphasized Cuomo’s record as governor but maintained, “nothing has changed and neither apparently has the rumor mill in all its glory.” “This all remains premature, but Andrew Cuomo will always be a Queens boy who loves New York, is deeply concerned about its direction, and will always help any way he can,” Azzopardi added.
Cuomo resigned in 2021 after an investigation revealed he sexually harassed 11 women, allegations he denies.
The prospect of the unpredictable and assertive Cuomo reentering politics is among the most closely watched narratives in New York politics. For over a year, Cuomo has indicated to allies that he is contemplating a mayoral run, and his discussions have intensified in light of Adams’ ongoing legal troubles involving a five-count federal indictment alleging bribery connected to Turkish interests.
If he decides to run, the former governor would possess advantages in a crowded Democratic primary that his potential opponents lack, including widespread name recognition and established relationships with donors.
Leading up to his likely announcement, Cuomo has criticized opponents of the Israeli government, appealing to the city's significant Jewish voter base, some of whom were discontented with his COVID-19-related restrictions on gatherings. He would likely position himself as a straightforward manager capable of achieving substantial goals, while critiquing the more progressive positions of many of his potential rivals.
In anticipation of this challenge, Adams has recently criticized Cuomo for his decision to sign changes to the state’s bail laws, arguing these led to increased crime. Cuomo’s team responded by highlighting Adams' recent focus on recidivism rather than bail.
Cuomo has long relied on a loyal group of advisers, some of whom were also advisors to his father, Mario Cuomo, who served three terms as governor.
During his decade in office, the younger Cuomo became a national figure due to his televised COVID-19 briefings in the pandemic's early months. Nonetheless, his administration faced scrutiny regarding its management of nursing home deaths during the crisis.
Since leaving office, the former governor has sought to reshape perceptions surrounding the scandals that led to his departure, contending that politically motivated opponents, including left-leaning Democrats and Trump-aligned Republicans, played a role in his downfall.
Cuomo has pointed to recent developments as signs of his vindication. For instance, Charlotte Bennett, one of the women who accused him of inappropriate behavior, recently dropped her lawsuit against him.
Additionally, a report from a Department of Justice watchdog stated that Trump administration officials attempted to influence the 2020 election by leaking information to the media regarding investigations tied to nursing homes in New York. In response, a Cuomo spokesperson remarked that the findings support the former governor’s long-held belief that Republicans aimed to “weaponize” the deaths of nursing home residents.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
Cuomo is expected to hire Charlie King, a consultant with a history of collaboration with the Democrat spanning several decades. King worked alongside Cuomo during his tenure as housing secretary in the Clinton administration in the 1990s and was chosen by Cuomo as his running mate during a failed gubernatorial campaign in 2002. Despite competing for the Democratic attorney general nomination in 2006, their friendship has endured.
King did not deny reports of his involvement in Cuomo’s potential campaign. “As far as I know, there is no Cuomo campaign for mayor but should that change, I’m sure everyone will know who is on board,” he said Wednesday in a text message. “Judging by the unsolicited proposals and resumes that have flooded in, should the former governor decide to run, I'm sure he'll have his pick.”
King is a partner at Mercury Public Affairs, a consulting and lobbying firm based in Manhattan with a national presence. He has been assessing other potential staff members for the campaign, according to three individuals familiar with the operation.
Cuomo is also contemplating an early February launch, mindful of the upcoming political timeline. Petitioning for ballot access starts on February 25 and is due by April 3, with the Democratic primary set for June 24.
Initial advice from Cuomo's advisers suggested he might avoid a primary challenge against Mayor Eric Adams. Both politicians attract support from Black and Jewish voters, which could pose a risk for Cuomo, given that Adams is the city's second Black mayor. However, the situation has evolved as Adams faces significant legal challenges, prompting three sources in touch with Cuomo to inform PMG that he is actively preparing for a potential campaign against the incumbent. These sources spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Cuomo's private considerations.
Spokesperson Rich Azzopardi emphasized Cuomo’s record as governor but maintained, “nothing has changed and neither apparently has the rumor mill in all its glory.” “This all remains premature, but Andrew Cuomo will always be a Queens boy who loves New York, is deeply concerned about its direction, and will always help any way he can,” Azzopardi added.
Cuomo resigned in 2021 after an investigation revealed he sexually harassed 11 women, allegations he denies.
The prospect of the unpredictable and assertive Cuomo reentering politics is among the most closely watched narratives in New York politics. For over a year, Cuomo has indicated to allies that he is contemplating a mayoral run, and his discussions have intensified in light of Adams’ ongoing legal troubles involving a five-count federal indictment alleging bribery connected to Turkish interests.
If he decides to run, the former governor would possess advantages in a crowded Democratic primary that his potential opponents lack, including widespread name recognition and established relationships with donors.
Leading up to his likely announcement, Cuomo has criticized opponents of the Israeli government, appealing to the city's significant Jewish voter base, some of whom were discontented with his COVID-19-related restrictions on gatherings. He would likely position himself as a straightforward manager capable of achieving substantial goals, while critiquing the more progressive positions of many of his potential rivals.
In anticipation of this challenge, Adams has recently criticized Cuomo for his decision to sign changes to the state’s bail laws, arguing these led to increased crime. Cuomo’s team responded by highlighting Adams' recent focus on recidivism rather than bail.
Cuomo has long relied on a loyal group of advisers, some of whom were also advisors to his father, Mario Cuomo, who served three terms as governor.
During his decade in office, the younger Cuomo became a national figure due to his televised COVID-19 briefings in the pandemic's early months. Nonetheless, his administration faced scrutiny regarding its management of nursing home deaths during the crisis.
Since leaving office, the former governor has sought to reshape perceptions surrounding the scandals that led to his departure, contending that politically motivated opponents, including left-leaning Democrats and Trump-aligned Republicans, played a role in his downfall.
Cuomo has pointed to recent developments as signs of his vindication. For instance, Charlotte Bennett, one of the women who accused him of inappropriate behavior, recently dropped her lawsuit against him.
Additionally, a report from a Department of Justice watchdog stated that Trump administration officials attempted to influence the 2020 election by leaking information to the media regarding investigations tied to nursing homes in New York. In response, a Cuomo spokesperson remarked that the findings support the former governor’s long-held belief that Republicans aimed to “weaponize” the deaths of nursing home residents.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
