Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially entered the race for New York City mayor, marking his return to politics after resigning in 2021. Cuomo is set to challenge incumbent Eric Adams, who faces legal troubles related to bribery and fraud allegations.
Cuomo Aims for Comeback Amid Political Turmoil
Declaring his bid on social media, Cuomo emphasized the city’s urgent need for change. “Our city is in crisis. That’s why I am running for mayor,” he stated in a post on X. His announcement aligns with previous political maneuvers, including the recent formation of the super PAC Fix the City, which aims to raise $15 million from donors, according to sources familiar with the effort.
Polling Shows Cuomo as Early Frontrunner
A February poll from Emerson College found Cuomo leading with 33% support among Democratic primary voters, while Adams lagged behind at just 10%. These numbers indicate Cuomo as the leading candidate in what is expected to be a competitive race.
Addressing Controversies and Legal Challenges
In his campaign launch video, Cuomo acknowledged past allegations of misconduct. “Did I make mistakes? Some painfully, definitely,” he admitted. A Justice Department settlement in early 2024 concluded that Cuomo had created a “sexually hostile work environment” for at least 13 women during his tenure as governor, though he maintains that he learned and grew from the experience.
NYC Mayoral Election Timeline
The New York City Democratic mayoral primary is scheduled for June, leading up to the general election in November. Cuomo’s opponents include prominent figures such as State Senator Zellnor Myrie, city comptroller Brad Lander, and former state official Michael Blake.
As the campaign unfolds, Cuomo’s leadership and past controversies will be under scrutiny, setting the stage for a heated mayoral race.
