Former Governor Andrew Cuomo officially announced his long-anticipated run for mayor of New York City today, making a late entry into the crowded Democratic primary race. His candidacy threatens to overshadow the competition and deliver a potentially fatal blow to the struggling political career of incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.
Cuomo’s decision to join the race comes after a months-long period of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, where he carefully avoided any official announcement while strategically undermining Adams, who has faced numerous scandals during his first term. This has positioned Cuomo as a leading contender despite the crowded field.
“The city just feels threatening, out of control,” Cuomo stated in his 17-minute announcement video posted on YouTube.
“These conditions exist not as an act of God, but rather as an act of our political leaders. Or more precisely, the lack of intelligent action by many of our political leaders,” he added.
Through his behind-the-scenes efforts, Cuomo has quietly gained significant support and drawn away several of Adams’ key backers even before formally declaring his candidacy.
“I know we can turn the city around, and I believe I can help, and that is why I announced my candidacy today for mayor of New York City,” Cuomo said in his video, where he refrains from directly mentioning Adams.
Adams, a former NYPD officer and Brooklyn Borough President who was initially seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party when he was elected in 2021, has seen his political standing diminish significantly. His credibility took a major hit following his historic corruption indictment and a series of scandals involving some of his closest allies.
When asked about Cuomo’s candidacy today, Adams avoided directly addressing the issue. Leaving an unrelated event in Lower Manhattan, Adams dismissed the matter, responding, “Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!…Democracy!” before jumping into a black SUV with his NYPD security detail.
Cuomo’s announcement marks his return to the political arena after his resignation from the governorship in 2021 amid a series of sexual harassment allegations, which he has vehemently denied.
Cuomo briefly acknowledged his controversial exit from office in his video.
“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service?” he asked. “Of course not. Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly.
“Did I make mistakes? Some painfully. Definitely. And I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for. And I hope to show you that every day.”
Though his reputation has been tarnished by scandal, many had anticipated that Cuomo would return to the political stage sooner or later. His chance came when Adams’ approval ratings plunged last year.
Rumors about Cuomo’s mayoral ambitions turned into an open secret as Adams distanced himself from his party by cozying up to President Donald Trump and facing the prospect of his criminal case being dismissed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Cuomo, now 67, enters the race as a strong favorite in early polling, benefitting from his high name recognition while Adams’ administration has been plagued by negative headlines.
However, Cuomo will face fierce competition from other city Democrats, who will likely use his controversial past against him. Issues such as his handling of nursing homes during the pandemic, his support for controversial bail reforms, and the push for congestion pricing will likely become key points of attack.
“Andrew Cuomo is running for Eric Adams’ second term: the same donors, the same agenda, the same chaos. Time and again, Cuomo put billionaires and book deals before the working people of New York,” said Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist from Queens and a mayoral contender.
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, also in the race, accused Cuomo of using the city as a “personal punching bag” during his time as governor. Stringer criticized Cuomo for cutting MTA funding, damaging the subway system, and diverting resources to upstate ski resorts while slashing funding for public schools and Medicaid.
“Andrew Cuomo is now officially running to lead the city he repeatedly threw under the bus as governor,” Stringer remarked. “And now he wants New Yorkers to rehabilitate his reputation? Give me a break.”
Brad Lander, the city comptroller and a Democratic socialist also vying for the mayor’s office, sarcastically welcomed Cuomo to the race on social media.
“In honor of your sad attempt to get attention, let’s remember your time as Governor of New York—before you resigned for …. harassing 13 women and leading thousands of elderly New Yorkers to their deaths during Covid-19,” Lander wrote.
Recent polling shows Cuomo leading with 51% of the ranked-choice votes after seven rounds of voting, with Adams trailing far behind. In the final round, Adams would be eliminated with just 9% of the vote, while Lander and Mamdani would secure 31% and 18%, respectively.
In addition to Adams, other Democratic candidates in the mayoral race include State Senators Jessica Ramos and Zelnor Myrie, former Obama aide Michael Blake, and Wall Street investor Whitney Tilson.
The growing demand for a moderate Democrat and mounting doubts about Adams’ political future have led several influential figures to publicly support Cuomo’s candidacy.
Frank Seddio, the former Brooklyn Democratic Party leader, endorsed Cuomo this week, citing his belief that Adams no longer has a viable path to victory.
“I have been friends with Eric all these years,” Seddio said. “But looking at the circumstances, I don’t see a path where Eric could win.”
Despite his prominent endorsements and favorable polling, Cuomo still needs to quickly raise funds to mount a citywide campaign.
The winner of the Democratic primary is likely to face Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, in November’s general election. Adams defeated Sliwa handily in the 2021 race.
Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, defended the former governor against criticism over his administration’s handling of the nursing home scandal and the sexual harassment allegations.
“Several civil court lawsuits over the nursing home scandal were dismissed and probes by the feds and Manhattan district attorney’s office were closed without findings of wrongdoing,” Azzopardi said.
“As we said from day one, the governor didn’t harass anyone – and years later, the facts have borne that out.”
“New Yorkers aren’t naive and understand that ugly political situation for exactly what it was,” Azzopardi continued.
“Today, New York City is in crisis – a crisis of affordability, public safety and leadership, and that’s what Gov. Cuomo is focused on: The fight to save our city.”
{Matzav.com}