Hochul Dodges Question on Cuomo Mayoral Candidacy, Emphasizes Collaborative Approach

New York Governor Kathy Hochul skillfully avoided directly addressing the fitness of her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, to serve as mayor of New York City, after he recently announced his intention to seek the city’s highest office. The question arose during an interview on CNN’s "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," where Blitzer pressed the governor on her perspective regarding Cuomo’s candidacy and his suitability for the role.

Hochul’s response was carefully crafted to avoid endorsing or criticizing Cuomo. Instead, she emphasized her commitment to working with whomever the voters of New York City ultimately elect as their mayor. She stated, "Here’s what I’m going to tell you about the mayor’s race. And this is what you’re going to hear today all the way up until the election is over for the primary in June. I will work with whomever the really smart voters of New York City decide they want to be their mayor."

Cuomo’s resignation in 2021 followed a series of sexual harassment allegations, detailed in an investigation led by state Attorney General Letitia James. While Cuomo expressed remorse for any behavior deemed inappropriate during his tenure, he consistently denied the specific allegations of sexual harassment outlined in the report. The shadow of these accusations continues to linger over his political aspirations.

Hochul strategically distanced herself from directly commenting on Cuomo’s past actions and their potential impact on his mayoral bid. She reiterated that the decision of whether he is fit to serve rests solely with the voters of New York City, noting that she herself does not reside or vote within the city limits.

However, Hochul did articulate her priorities for the city and the qualities she seeks in a mayoral partner. "That is not up for me to decide. I don’t even vote in the city. But I will say also, I will support people ultimately after they’re elected who support my agenda of increasing public safety, dealing with the homelessness crisis, people with mental health problems, closing down illegal cannabis shops, making our streets safer. So, I’m looking forward to working with whomever wants to partner with me to lift this city up," she explained.

This statement underscores Hochul’s focus on key issues facing New York City, including public safety, homelessness, mental health services, and the regulation of the cannabis industry. By framing her support in terms of alignment with these policy objectives, she avoided explicitly endorsing or rejecting Cuomo while simultaneously communicating her expectations for the city’s next leader.

Hochul also emphasized her commitment to her current role as governor, highlighting the pressing challenges facing the state. "I have a state to run. I’ve got multiple crises, many of them emanating from Washington," she stated, suggesting that her primary focus is on addressing statewide concerns rather than engaging directly in the New York City mayoral race.

Blitzer pressed further, questioning Hochul about her ability to collaborate with Cuomo given their history. Hochul previously served as Cuomo’s lieutenant governor before assuming the governorship upon his resignation. Blitzer also reminded viewers that Hochul had previously described Cuomo’s alleged behavior as "repulsive."

In response, Hochul reiterated her neutral stance on the election. "It’s up to the voters, Wolf. I’m not injecting my voice into this election. There’s a lot of people that have put their names forward. I admire anybody who wants to run for office. I’m in my 16th election. I know how challenging it is, but I want people who put the city first, who understand that I have done more to help this city than anybody in a long time, investing money," she said.

Hochul then shifted the conversation to her administration’s efforts to support New York City, highlighting initiatives such as reducing subway crime and addressing homelessness. "So my agenda is broad based. It’s very supportive of the city. I had to work with Bill de Blasio as mayor. I work with Eric Adams, for the last number of years. And whatever the voters decide, I will respect that," she added. This pivot served to emphasize her dedication to the city’s well-being while further deflecting the focus from Cuomo’s candidacy.

The article also acknowledges the challenges facing incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection amidst concerns about crime and homelessness. Adams himself has faced scandals during his tenure, making the upcoming mayoral primary a potentially volatile and unpredictable contest.

The New York City Democratic primary election, scheduled for June 2025, will determine the party’s nominee for mayor. The field of candidates is expected to be diverse and competitive, with a range of perspectives on the city’s most pressing issues. Hochul’s carefully calibrated response to the question of Cuomo’s fitness to serve reflects the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this high-stakes election. Her emphasis on collaboration, policy priorities, and respect for the voters’ decision underscores her approach to navigating the political landscape while maintaining her focus on governing the state. The election promises to be closely watched, and Hochul’s relationship with the eventual victor will undoubtedly shape the future of New York City.