
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City, shaking up an already competitive race that includes current Mayor Eric Adams. Cuomo’s announcement came Saturday afternoon as he works to mount a high-profile political comeback.
Sources close to Andrew Cuomo say he started seriously weighing a run for Mayor just last week. In preparation, his supporters have established a super PAC called “Fix the City,” which aims to raise $15 million to support his campaign efforts.
Andrew Cuomo’s Background & Controversial Exit
Cuomo’s return to the political spotlight comes nearly four years after stepping down as governor amid allegations of sexual harassment involving nearly a dozen women, including members of his own staff. An inquiry led by New York Attorney General Letitia James concluded Cuomo fostered a toxic work environment through inappropriate comments and unwanted advances.
Andrew Cuomo has consistently denied any wrongdoing, at one point blaming cultural differences tied to his Italian-American background. Nevertheless, he resigned in August 2021 as the New York State Assembly began an impeachment investigation.
Since then, Cuomo’s legal team has taken action against the attorney general’s office and several individuals who accused him of misconduct.
Andrew Cuomo Three Term NYS Governor
As the son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo served as New York’s governor for three terms, leaving office in 2021 amid mounting scandals.
In addition to the harassment claims, his administration faced heavy scrutiny over how COVID-related nursing home deaths were reported during the early stages of the pandemic. Cuomo was praised for his daily COVID briefings, but later investigations found his administration allegedly directed staff to understate the actual number of nursing home fatalities by close to 50 percent.
As recently as last year, Cuomo testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, where Republican lawmakers referred him to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution. Cuomo maintains that New York State followed federal guidelines, while his legal team accused the subcommittee of political overreach.
NYC Mayoral Race: Crowded Democratic Field
With Mayor Eric Adams seeking reelection, Andrew Cuomo enters a crowded race filled with well-known Democrats. Adams, whose administration has faced mounting controversies, including accusations related to cooperation with former President Trump on immigration policies, remains defiant in his bid to stay in office. Both Adams and his attorney have denied those allegations.
A new poll conducted by Tusk Strategies found Andrew Cuomo leading the Democratic field with 38% support. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani trailed at 12%, followed by Mayor Adams with 10%. Several other candidates registered single-digit support.
Among Cuomo’s early backers is Congressman Ritchie Torres, who represents much of the Bronx. Torres praised Cuomo’s record on public safety, saying, “At a time when crime remains a top concern, New York needs strength — and that’s exactly what Andrew Cuomo brings.”
Petitioning to collect signatures for the mayoral race runs through April 3. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June, with early voting beginning June 14 and Election Day on June 24.
Check back on this developing story for further updates on Andrew Cuomo and the race for New York City Mayor.