Andrew Cuomo Enters New York City Mayoral Race, Challenging Eric Adams

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City, setting the stage for a potentially contentious primary battle against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. The move marks a significant return to the political arena for Cuomo, who resigned from the governorship in 2021 amidst a flurry of sexual harassment allegations.

Cuomo’s decision to run adds a layer of complexity to an already crowded field of mayoral hopefuls. While he faces a tight deadline to gather the necessary 3,750 signatures from registered voters by April 3rd to qualify for the ballot, his name recognition and established political network could prove to be significant assets.

A Queens native with deep roots in New York politics, Cuomo’s career has spanned decades. He began as a campaign manager and advisor to his father, the late Governor Mario Cuomo, before ascending to roles such as federal housing secretary and state attorney general. His ascent culminated in his election as governor in 2010, a position he held for over a decade, winning re-election in 2014 and 2018.

His entry into the race is further complicated by the circumstances of his departure from the governorship. The sexual harassment allegations, which he continues to deny, cast a shadow over his legacy. Whether voters will be willing to overlook those allegations remains a key question.

Cuomo and Adams share a history and political landscape. Both are Democrats with roots in New York City and have known each other for many years. Both also enjoy considerable support from key voting blocs, including Orthodox Jewish, Black, and Latino communities. This shared base of support could lead to a fierce competition for votes during the primary.

Adding an unusual twist to the story is the past relationship between Cuomo and former President Donald Trump. The two New Yorkers have a long and complex history, with Trump even donating to Cuomo’s political campaigns, as well as his father’s. The New York Times reported that Trump recorded a video for Cuomo’s bachelor party in 1990, advising him to avoid infidelity. While Trump once considered running against Cuomo for governor in 2014, he ultimately decided against it, stating he had "much bigger plans."

Cuomo’s personal life has often been fodder for public consumption. His marriage to Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, in 1990, captured the public’s imagination, earning them the moniker "Cuomolot" in the tabloids, a nod to the Kennedy family’s Camelot mystique. Their 15-year marriage produced three daughters: Cara Kennedy-Cuomo, Mariah, and Michaela. The couple divorced in 2005. Following his divorce, Cuomo dated celebrity chef Sandra Lee for 14 years, until 2019.

The political landscape has shifted significantly since Cuomo left office. Mayor Adams is facing his own challenges, including concerns about crime rates, housing affordability, and the city’s economic recovery. Cuomo will likely attempt to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses in Adams’ administration, presenting himself as the experienced leader needed to address these issues.

The race for mayor also marks a stark contrast from Cuomo’s national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, his daily briefings and PowerPoint presentations gained a wide audience, solidifying his image as a decisive leader during a time of crisis. He became a recognizable figure across the U.S., seen as a strong Democratic voice.

However, the praise he received during the pandemic was followed by scrutiny. By February 2021, his administration faced criticism regarding its handling of nursing home data. An aide admitted to withholding information, leading to accusations of a cover-up. While these inquiries did not result in criminal charges, they tarnished his reputation.

The subsequent sexual harassment allegations, which surfaced in December 2020 with claims from former aide Lindsey Boylan, further damaged his standing. Although Cuomo denied the accusations, the growing scandal led to an investigation and ultimately his resignation in August 2021.

His decision to step down abruptly ended what was once a promising political career. Seen as a national figure during the height of the pandemic, Cuomo’s fall from grace was swift and dramatic.

Now, Cuomo hopes to reclaim his position in New York politics by challenging Mayor Adams. His campaign will likely focus on his experience, his ability to lead during times of crisis, and his vision for the city’s future. However, he will also have to address the allegations that led to his resignation and convince voters that he deserves a second chance.

The mayoral primary is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in New York City in recent memory. The presence of Cuomo, with his strong support from various demographic groups, is certain to make things interesting. The dynamic between Cuomo and Adams will be a focal point of the race, as the two seasoned politicians compete for the support of New York City voters. The other primary contenders will likely face difficulty gaining media attention and breaking through the noise created by the battle between Adams and Cuomo. This is certain to be a high-stakes contest that will determine the future direction of New York City.