Andrew Cuomo launches campaign running for NYC mayor

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially entered the race for mayor of New York City, marking a potential political comeback years after resigning from office amid a sexual harassment scandal.

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Cuomo made his announcement Saturday in a 17-minute video, where he addressed what he described as the city's current state of crisis.

“We know that today our New York City is in trouble,” Cuomo stated in the video, which featured footage of homeless individuals, graffiti-covered streets, and concerns about crime. “You see it in the empty storefronts, the graffiti, the grime, the migrant influx, the random violence. The city just feels threatening, out of control and in crisis.”

Cuomo’s decision to run puts him in direct competition with Mayor Eric Adams, who has faced increasing scrutiny following the Department of Justice’s decision to drop corruption charges against him. While Adams has denied any wrongdoing, his administration has been under fire, leading some political insiders to view Cuomo’s bid as an attempt to capitalize on the mayor’s weakened standing.

Since leaving office in 2021, Cuomo has largely remained out of the public eye. However, recent reports suggest that he and his team have been laying the groundwork for this campaign for months. Just last week, allies of the former governor launched a super PAC under the name “Fix the City,” signaling his serious intent to run.

Cuomo’s entrance into the race has drawn swift reactions from political opponents. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized the move, saying, “The last thing New Yorkers need right now is another agent of chaos.”

Mayoral candidate Scott Stringer, who also ran in 2021, accused Cuomo of prioritizing his own interests over the city’s needs. “Being mayor of New York may help Andrew Cuomo, but it don’t do a damn thing for New Yorkers,” Stringer said in a video response.

Meanwhile, New York State Attorney General Letitia James is reportedly working behind the scenes to encourage City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to enter the race. While she has yet to announce her candidacy, Adams recently opened a campaign committee account, a possible indication of her intention to run.

Cuomo wasted no time hitting the campaign trail, making stops at the 32BJ SEIU union headquarters in Manhattan and later visiting a Dominican restaurant in the Bronx, where he greeted diners. His campaign is expected to highlight his extensive government experience, including three terms as governor and a tenure as the state’s attorney general.

While Cuomo gained national recognition for his leadership during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration faced backlash over its handling of nursing home deaths and allegations of sexual harassment. The accusations, which first surfaced in late 2020, led to an investigation by the state attorney general and ultimately forced his resignation. Cuomo has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his remarks were misinterpreted.

His campaign appears to be focused on addressing public safety concerns, quality of life issues, and affordability—key priorities for many voters. His messaging also suggests a shift toward a more moderate Democratic stance, emphasizing the need for stronger policing, improved housing policies, and regulation of e-bikes in the city.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Cuomo enters the race with significant financial resources. His campaign has access to nearly USD 8 million, which could provide him with a major advantage in the competitive primary. With only four months until the election, Cuomo will need to mobilize support quickly, especially given the city’s ranked-choice voting system, which adds another layer of complexity to the race.

Read more: Governor of New York says he 'regrets' behavior 'interpreted as unwanted flirtation'

Cuomo’s campaign video serves as a reintroduction to voters, portraying him as an experienced leader capable of steering the city through its current challenges. Without naming Adams directly, he took aim at the city’s leadership, attributing its struggles to ineffective Democratic governance.

“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,” Cuomo said, positioning himself as a leader willing to collaborate across political lines.