The Lingering Stain: How Sexual Misconduct Allegations Haunt the New York City Mayoral Race
The #MeToo movement, which surged to prominence in 2017, initially sparked hope that sexual abuse allegations would finally receive the serious attention they deserved. However, as we approach a decade since that watershed moment, it’s increasingly apparent that the initial optimism was fleeting. This disheartening reality is starkly illustrated by the current New York City mayoral race, where three prominent candidates are shadowed by allegations of sexual misconduct.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, disgraced and ousted from his previous position, has thrown his hat into the ring after months of speculation. He joins incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former comptroller Scott Stringer, creating a disconcerting trifecta of candidates vying for the leadership of America’s largest city while simultaneously facing accusations of inappropriate behavior.
The presence of these candidates raises profound questions about accountability, the enduring impact of #MeToo, and the priorities of voters. Surely, among the countless capable individuals in New York City, there are qualified candidates without such serious blemishes on their records. When the Democratic primary arrives in June, New York voters must confront the uncomfortable truth that they deserve better than to be presented with a choice between individuals with documented or alleged histories of harming women.
While Cuomo may appeal to some as a familiar face offering a seemingly moderate alternative to Adams’s current legal troubles, his actions while in office demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the well-being of those he allegedly harmed.
In 2021, Cuomo’s tenure as governor ended abruptly when an investigation by the state’s attorney general revealed that he had sexually harassed no fewer than eleven women. The accusations painted a disturbing picture of unwanted touching and kissing, inappropriate and suggestive comments, and invasive inquiries into the victims’ personal sex lives. A parallel investigation by the U.S. Justice Department resulted in a settlement between New York and the federal government, further solidifying the weight of the accusations. Despite the mounting evidence, the former governor has consistently denied all allegations.
Although criminal charges were never filed against Cuomo, three of the women pursued civil lawsuits. In a move that further ignited controversy, Cuomo sued one of his accusers after she dropped her case, alleging that she had lied about the harassment she experienced.
This deeply problematic history, however, appears to have done little to diminish Cuomo’s appeal to a significant portion of the electorate. A recent Quinnipiac University poll of registered Democratic voters found Cuomo leading the pack with 31% support, a substantial margin ahead of Adams’s trailing 11%.
Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide and the first woman to publicly accuse him of sexual harassment, recently voiced her concerns to The Associated Press regarding his resurgence. "I don’t think anything has specifically changed with women being angry about how our rights are being taken away," Boylan stated. "But the fact that most of our leaders are more interested in staying comfortable and staying in their jobs than actually protecting us and defending us… That’s gotten much worse."
Boylan’s sentiments resonate deeply. It is disheartening enough that Cuomo retains enough popularity to even consider entering the mayoral race. It is equally troubling that prominent figures within the Democratic Party, such as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have thus far refrained from explicitly condemning his candidacy.
Gillibrand has stated that the decision regarding the mayoral candidates’ fate rests with the voters, while Jeffries has opted to withhold an endorsement until after the June primary. "I’ve known Andrew Cuomo for decades," Gillibrand told NY1. "He has a lot of talent as an executive, he’s been a very strong governor and done very good things for New York." Such a statement rings hollow in the ears of the at least eleven women who allege that Cuomo’s actions caused them significant harm.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who was recently the subject of a Department of Justice investigation into possible corruption, also faces sexual assault allegations.
Last year, a woman filed a lawsuit against Adams under the state’s Adult Survivors Act, alleging that he had solicited oral sex from her in exchange for career advice while he was a member of the New York Police Department. When she refused, she claims that he exposed himself and masturbated. Adams has vehemently denied these allegations.
Scott Stringer, another contender for mayor, was accused of sexual misconduct by two women in 2021 during his previous mayoral campaign. Both women alleged that Stringer made unwanted advances towards them. Stringer responded by suing one of his accusers in 2022 for defamation. Similar to Cuomo and Adams, Stringer has denied all allegations.
While both men are currently trailing Cuomo in the polls, the fact that they garner enough public support to even participate in the race is deeply troubling.
It appears that we live in a society where consequences for the elite are increasingly rare, regardless of their political affiliation. President Donald Trump, arguably the most powerful man in America, was found liable for sexual abuse by a jury and has faced numerous other allegations, yet he was still elected president.
The notion of being "canceled" seems increasingly illusory. If true accountability existed, Cuomo would not possess the momentum to enter the mayoral race, let alone emerge as a leading contender. Despite his acknowledged missteps as governor, he is likely to remain a prominent figure on the city’s Democratic Party ticket come November.
As New York Democrats prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming primary, they must remember that they deserve leaders who are not burdened by histories of questionable character. Several other qualified candidates are vying for the mayoralty, including Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, and Jessica Ramos, who offer progressive Democrats a compelling alternative on the city’s ranked-choice ballots. Adrienne Adams and Brad Lander also present options for centrist voters.
The challenge lies in the fact that these candidates lack the widespread name recognition of Adams and Cuomo. While Mamdani is reportedly polling ahead of Mayor Adams in certain polls, he still trails the former governor.
New Yorkers deserve a leader who is driven by a genuine desire to serve the public good, not simply to rehabilitate a damaged political career. The hope is that primary voters will remember this crucial distinction when they head to the polls in June.
