Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, is seriously considering running for Mayor of New York City, according to reports from CBS News New York. Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal, is expected to meet with his three daughters next week to discuss the potential mayoral run and make a decision together.
Cuomo’s Path to the Mayor’s Race
The timing of Cuomo’s decision is significant. The official process for gathering signatures to run for mayor begins on February 21 and continues until April 3, 2025. His campaign is eyeing a launch in early March, shortly after he meets with his family.
Cuomo has been acting like a candidate in recent weeks. On Valentine’s Day, he posted a video on social media that seemed like a campaign ad. The video highlights his political experience and leadership, signaling that he’s preparing for a serious bid for the city’s top office.
Cuomo’s Resignation and Controversies
Cuomo’s decision to run for mayor comes after his resignation as governor in August 2021 following accusations of sexual harassment from the New York Attorney General’s report. His exit from the governor’s mansion also followed multiple other scandals, which included handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nursing home crisis.
Despite these controversies, Cuomo is reportedly looking to make a political comeback, while current NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces his own legal and political challenges. Adams has been embroiled in a corruption scandal involving allegations that he made a quid pro quo deal with the Trump administration to secure political favors. These allegations have led to growing scrutiny of his leadership and approval ratings.
Cuomo Leading Polls for NYC Mayor
A recent poll by Progressives for Democracy in America shows that Cuomo is leading the field of potential Democratic candidates for mayor. Here are the results:
- Andrew Cuomo: 32%
- Scott Stringer: 10%
- Brad Lander: 8%
- State Sen. Jessica Ramos: 6%
- Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani: 6%
- Mayor Eric Adams: 6%
After five rounds of ranked-choice voting, Cuomo won with 51% of the vote, leaving Scott Stringer in second place with just 16%.
Cuomo’s Potential Impact on NYC Politics
Should Cuomo officially enter the mayoral race, his candidacy would reshape the political landscape of New York City. His experience as governor, despite his controversial exit, gives him significant name recognition and a strong base of support. However, his past scandals and the current legal woes of Mayor Eric Adams could create a complex dynamic in the race.
Cuomo’s challenge will be balancing his comeback narrative with the need to address his past actions and present himself as a capable leader for a city that is grappling with a variety of crises, including public safety, affordability, and homelessness.
