NEW YORK (AP) — Following his departure as New York’s governor, speculation arose about Andrew Cuomo’s potential return to the political scene. That speculation materialized on Saturday when the Democrat announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City. The looming question now is whether voters are willing to welcome him back. Cuomo’s campaign launch video and subsequent speech portrayed New York as a city facing numerous challenges, with Cuomo positioning himself as a decisive leader capable of addressing issues like homelessness and soaring housing costs. However, his reentry into the political arena was met with swift criticism from those who believe he does not deserve a second chance. Here is a closer look at the events leading up to this moment:
Reasons for Cuomo’s Resignation
Cuomo stepped down from the governor’s office in August 2021 amid looming impeachment proceedings. A state report, prompted by the attorney general’s office, detailed allegations of sexual harassment by at least 11 women against Cuomo. The accusations ranged from unwanted advances to inappropriate comments and behavior. While Cuomo denied the most severe allegations, the mounting pressure from top Democratic figures, including President Joe Biden and prominent lawmakers, led to his resignation.
Views of Cuomo’s Accusers on His Political Comeback
Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse Cuomo of harassment, expressed skepticism about his return to public office. In a Vanity Fair essay, she argued against granting Cuomo another chance, citing his alleged efforts to tarnish the reputations of his accusers. Boylan emphasized that individuals like Cuomo, despite facing consequences, often retain significant power due to fear within political circles.
Cuomo’s Perspective
In his initial remarks addressing the harassment allegations, Cuomo admitted to making mistakes and claimed to have learned from them. He vowed to apply his experience to address critical issues facing the city. While he indirectly referenced the harassment scandal, Cuomo has previously attributed his downfall to “cancel culture.”
Accomplishments as Governor
During his tenure, Cuomo achieved significant milestones, including legalizing same-sex marriage, overseeing infrastructure projects, and enacting progressive labor laws. His administration also spearheaded efforts to revitalize the state’s economy, particularly in regions like Buffalo. Despite these accomplishments, Cuomo’s legacy is overshadowed by the scandal that led to his resignation.
As Cuomo embarks on his mayoral campaign, the shadow of past controversies looms large, shaping public perception of his political future.
The narrative unfolds with a shift to a factory currently under the management of Tesla. The program birthed a corruption scandal that ensnared several allies of Cuomo and one of his closest political advisors, resulting in indictments. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately overturned the key convictions in this saga. Shifting focus to the impact of COVID-19, Cuomo rose to national prominence as the pandemic struck New York in 2020, claiming numerous lives. His daily briefings on the crisis garnered attention far beyond the borders of New York. Cuomo implemented some of the strictest social-distancing measures and lockdowns in the nation, establishing vaccination centers across the state as soon as vaccines became available. Despite these efforts, Cuomo faced criticism for his pandemic response. The administration was accused of significantly downplaying deaths in nursing homes as part of a strategy to deflect criticism regarding a policy implemented at the onset of the pandemic, which prevented nursing homes from refusing readmission to COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals. The impact of this policy on the death toll remains uncertain.
The narrative then circles back to the present, highlighting Cuomo’s potential return to the political arena. His opportunity arises in the context of the New York City mayoral race. The incumbent mayor, Democrat Eric Adams, faced federal corruption charges last year, with prosecutors alleging that Adams accepted free or discounted travel and illicit campaign contributions in exchange for political influence. Adams’ troubles deepened further when the new leadership at the U.S. Justice Department instructed prosecutors to drop the case to enlist Adams’ support in President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. This turn of events raised suspicions about Adams’ ties to Trump, who remains unpopular in the city. The pending decision of a judge looms over Adams’ criminal case.
Most of the other candidates in the primary election lean considerably to the political left of both Adams and Cuomo. Unless a prominent moderate candidate emerges, voters may find themselves having to choose between liberal candidates whose views may not align with their own and two Democratic heavyweights tainted by scandal. Cuomo is confident in his chances to emerge victorious in this intricate political landscape.
