New York Democrats Feel Uneasy About Cuomo's Possible Return
Cuomo's legacy of aggressive political tactics continues to trouble Democrats.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Andrew Cuomo is looking to leave the political wilderness, though many of his fellow New York Democrats prefer he remain there.
Speculation about Cuomo potentially running for New York City mayor has prompted a budding group of labor, business, and advocacy organizations to contemplate a coordinated effort to thwart any political resurgence, according to an anonymous source familiar with the discussions and fundraising efforts.
Additionally, some Democratic leaders are privately urging state Attorney General Tish James — who played a pivotal role in forcing Cuomo out of office three years ago — to consider a mayoral run if Eric Adams resigns. A campaign by James could sideline Cuomo, as she would likely attract support from Black voters in her home borough of Brooklyn, which is crucial for Cuomo's chances.
This situation illustrates the rapidly changing political landscape in New York, particularly as Adams faces a federal corruption indictment and various other criminal investigations, alongside widespread calls for his resignation. Cuomo is contemplating a comeback, and the unraveling of Adams' tenure could provide him a pathway.
For Democrats entrenched in New York’s political hierarchy, however, the thought of a Cuomo revival — and the prospect of collaborating with him again — is unsettling.
“If he were to become mayor there would be large amounts of tension between him and the Legislature and governor that don’t I think would be in the best interests of the city of New York,” said powerful state Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger. “If people are looking for who should be the next mayor of New York City, please look beyond Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo. There’s eight million more people to talk to.”
Support for a potential James candidacy, first reported by The New York Post and confirmed by PMG, is being fueled in part by supporters of Gov. Kathy Hochul. James, who briefly ran for governor three years ago, is also viewed by some Democrats as a contender for governor in 2026, to succeed Hochul, who faces lackluster approval ratings in statewide polls.
A mayoral run by James would serve a dual purpose: protecting Hochul and thwarting Cuomo's ambitions.
New York Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs, an ally of Hochul, mentioned he’s “hearing a lot of enthusiasm” for James to run for mayor in a special election. However, he remains cautious about whether she should actually pursue the race, reflecting the uncertainty stemming from Adams' legal challenges.
“I’m not weighing in or making a suggestion that anyone would run for mayor,” he stated. “I like her a lot personally. This is a what if. The mayor hasn’t gone anywhere.”
James has expressed a desire to remain as attorney general. Some Democrats are privately skeptical that she would want to shift from her prominent statewide role to the municipal level.
James’ team declined to comment.
Cuomo is known to be a micromanager, having frustrated and intimidated generations of advisers, elected officials, and journalists.
He left the governorship in 2021 amid a flurry of scandals, including a report from James that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women, ultimately leading to his resignation. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Cuomo has been known to exert pressure and intimidate critics — as illustrated by instances like when he personally threatened a state lawmaker who opposed his Covid-related nursing home policies.
“We operate on two speeds here: Get along and kill,” a top aide to Cuomo conveyed to then-Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office in 2011. This approach characterized his dealings with anyone he saw as an obstacle during his tenure as governor.
Supporters of Cuomo argue that his assertive style contributed to his effectiveness as a governor, but many New York Democrats worry about the ramifications of a return to office.
Cuomo's allies contend that his forceful approach could be beneficial in guiding New York City through its current challenges. They highlight his skills as a savvy political operator and administrator, arguing that he is well-equipped for the complex responsibilities of leading a vast city government.
They also see the current state of New York City — grappling with a migrant crisis and a slow recovery from the pandemic — as an opportunity for Cuomo's leadership. A Siena College poll from last month indicated that 51 percent of city voters feel New York is heading in the wrong direction.
Nevertheless, Cuomo has distanced himself from key players in labor and business over the years. Many Democrats, still haunted by past experiences, are hesitant to speak about him publicly for fear of inciting his wrath.
If Cuomo aims to rebuild those relationships, he would need to rally support from influential business and labor leaders constantly involved in city politics, known for their ability to sway campaign contributions and voter turnout. Many have long histories with him, dating back to his time as an adviser to his father, the late Mario Cuomo.
They are aware of how effective he can be in leveraging power, but also remember how challenging he can be to work with.
“This has happened with very intelligent, very organized, very strong-willed people,” former Gov. David Paterson remarked about Cuomo’s governing style. “They’re actually the most dangerous when they’re in charge. There’s certainly a fear among people who know him that he can be that way.”
Despite this, Paterson believes Cuomo might be able to move past past tensions.
“He’s got a few scars from scandal — as we all do,” he noted. “I think there would be a greater pressure on him to be the kinder, gentler Andrew Cuomo.”
Cuomo's spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, stated that it's premature to speculate about the former governor's future plans and emphasized that Adams “should have the opportunity to defend himself.” He also highlighted Cuomo's extensive track record in public office.
“Gov. Cuomo has always put New Yorkers over politics and the politicians, which is how, over their opposition, he was able to get marriage equality legalized, Roe v. Wade enshrined into state law, get the strongest gun protections and paid family leave in the nation on the books and build projects previously declared impossible,” he conveyed.
Regarding the coalition forming in anticipation of Cuomo’s possible candidacy, Azzopardi remarked: “This is all premature, but whomever is desperately spinning this about organized labor, forgetting the governor’s decades-long relationship with them and his record of delivering on issues such as a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, and once-in-a-generation infrastructure projects, doesn’t pass the smell test.”
If he does run, Cuomo is expected to leverage his extensive governmental experience, having served as housing secretary under Bill Clinton, state attorney general, and as governor for a decade.
He could also gain backing from prominent New York City Jewish leaders and wealthy real estate magnates who are concerned about the city's leftward shift in politics. Cuomo has sought alliances with these groups, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to socialist-backed candidates.
However, some business leaders remember instances of unmet commitments, like his pledge not to raise income taxes, along with controversial legislation that limited cash bail, a measure that became problematic for Democrats.
Union leaders, too, who publicly called for his resignation during the height of scandals, are reluctant to entertain the idea of a mayoral campaign at this time.
“That’s a question that I think universally labor wants to ignore as long as possible,” remarked one union operative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share candid insights.
Though few doubt Cuomo's potential effectiveness, his return would likely ignite strong opposition from progressives, as a Cuomo administration would likely prioritize public safety in a city grappling with post-pandemic crime rates.
The son of a former governor and seasoned in statewide offices, Cuomo has criticized the months-long effort that led to his resignation in 2021, asserting he was not part of any political club.
Some strategists believe he presents a unique challenge to other mayoral candidates.
“He’s certainly the master of politics,” said Mark Botnick, a former aide to ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “That being said, he also owes nobody anything given how quickly everyone called for his ouster.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Speculation about Cuomo potentially running for New York City mayor has prompted a budding group of labor, business, and advocacy organizations to contemplate a coordinated effort to thwart any political resurgence, according to an anonymous source familiar with the discussions and fundraising efforts.
Additionally, some Democratic leaders are privately urging state Attorney General Tish James — who played a pivotal role in forcing Cuomo out of office three years ago — to consider a mayoral run if Eric Adams resigns. A campaign by James could sideline Cuomo, as she would likely attract support from Black voters in her home borough of Brooklyn, which is crucial for Cuomo's chances.
This situation illustrates the rapidly changing political landscape in New York, particularly as Adams faces a federal corruption indictment and various other criminal investigations, alongside widespread calls for his resignation. Cuomo is contemplating a comeback, and the unraveling of Adams' tenure could provide him a pathway.
For Democrats entrenched in New York’s political hierarchy, however, the thought of a Cuomo revival — and the prospect of collaborating with him again — is unsettling.
“If he were to become mayor there would be large amounts of tension between him and the Legislature and governor that don’t I think would be in the best interests of the city of New York,” said powerful state Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger. “If people are looking for who should be the next mayor of New York City, please look beyond Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo. There’s eight million more people to talk to.”
Support for a potential James candidacy, first reported by The New York Post and confirmed by PMG, is being fueled in part by supporters of Gov. Kathy Hochul. James, who briefly ran for governor three years ago, is also viewed by some Democrats as a contender for governor in 2026, to succeed Hochul, who faces lackluster approval ratings in statewide polls.
A mayoral run by James would serve a dual purpose: protecting Hochul and thwarting Cuomo's ambitions.
New York Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs, an ally of Hochul, mentioned he’s “hearing a lot of enthusiasm” for James to run for mayor in a special election. However, he remains cautious about whether she should actually pursue the race, reflecting the uncertainty stemming from Adams' legal challenges.
“I’m not weighing in or making a suggestion that anyone would run for mayor,” he stated. “I like her a lot personally. This is a what if. The mayor hasn’t gone anywhere.”
James has expressed a desire to remain as attorney general. Some Democrats are privately skeptical that she would want to shift from her prominent statewide role to the municipal level.
James’ team declined to comment.
Cuomo is known to be a micromanager, having frustrated and intimidated generations of advisers, elected officials, and journalists.
He left the governorship in 2021 amid a flurry of scandals, including a report from James that concluded he sexually harassed 11 women, ultimately leading to his resignation. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Cuomo has been known to exert pressure and intimidate critics — as illustrated by instances like when he personally threatened a state lawmaker who opposed his Covid-related nursing home policies.
“We operate on two speeds here: Get along and kill,” a top aide to Cuomo conveyed to then-Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office in 2011. This approach characterized his dealings with anyone he saw as an obstacle during his tenure as governor.
Supporters of Cuomo argue that his assertive style contributed to his effectiveness as a governor, but many New York Democrats worry about the ramifications of a return to office.
Cuomo's allies contend that his forceful approach could be beneficial in guiding New York City through its current challenges. They highlight his skills as a savvy political operator and administrator, arguing that he is well-equipped for the complex responsibilities of leading a vast city government.
They also see the current state of New York City — grappling with a migrant crisis and a slow recovery from the pandemic — as an opportunity for Cuomo's leadership. A Siena College poll from last month indicated that 51 percent of city voters feel New York is heading in the wrong direction.
Nevertheless, Cuomo has distanced himself from key players in labor and business over the years. Many Democrats, still haunted by past experiences, are hesitant to speak about him publicly for fear of inciting his wrath.
If Cuomo aims to rebuild those relationships, he would need to rally support from influential business and labor leaders constantly involved in city politics, known for their ability to sway campaign contributions and voter turnout. Many have long histories with him, dating back to his time as an adviser to his father, the late Mario Cuomo.
They are aware of how effective he can be in leveraging power, but also remember how challenging he can be to work with.
“This has happened with very intelligent, very organized, very strong-willed people,” former Gov. David Paterson remarked about Cuomo’s governing style. “They’re actually the most dangerous when they’re in charge. There’s certainly a fear among people who know him that he can be that way.”
Despite this, Paterson believes Cuomo might be able to move past past tensions.
“He’s got a few scars from scandal — as we all do,” he noted. “I think there would be a greater pressure on him to be the kinder, gentler Andrew Cuomo.”
Cuomo's spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, stated that it's premature to speculate about the former governor's future plans and emphasized that Adams “should have the opportunity to defend himself.” He also highlighted Cuomo's extensive track record in public office.
“Gov. Cuomo has always put New Yorkers over politics and the politicians, which is how, over their opposition, he was able to get marriage equality legalized, Roe v. Wade enshrined into state law, get the strongest gun protections and paid family leave in the nation on the books and build projects previously declared impossible,” he conveyed.
Regarding the coalition forming in anticipation of Cuomo’s possible candidacy, Azzopardi remarked: “This is all premature, but whomever is desperately spinning this about organized labor, forgetting the governor’s decades-long relationship with them and his record of delivering on issues such as a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, and once-in-a-generation infrastructure projects, doesn’t pass the smell test.”
If he does run, Cuomo is expected to leverage his extensive governmental experience, having served as housing secretary under Bill Clinton, state attorney general, and as governor for a decade.
He could also gain backing from prominent New York City Jewish leaders and wealthy real estate magnates who are concerned about the city's leftward shift in politics. Cuomo has sought alliances with these groups, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to socialist-backed candidates.
However, some business leaders remember instances of unmet commitments, like his pledge not to raise income taxes, along with controversial legislation that limited cash bail, a measure that became problematic for Democrats.
Union leaders, too, who publicly called for his resignation during the height of scandals, are reluctant to entertain the idea of a mayoral campaign at this time.
“That’s a question that I think universally labor wants to ignore as long as possible,” remarked one union operative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share candid insights.
Though few doubt Cuomo's potential effectiveness, his return would likely ignite strong opposition from progressives, as a Cuomo administration would likely prioritize public safety in a city grappling with post-pandemic crime rates.
The son of a former governor and seasoned in statewide offices, Cuomo has criticized the months-long effort that led to his resignation in 2021, asserting he was not part of any political club.
Some strategists believe he presents a unique challenge to other mayoral candidates.
“He’s certainly the master of politics,” said Mark Botnick, a former aide to ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “That being said, he also owes nobody anything given how quickly everyone called for his ouster.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
