Drummed-Out Ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo Jumps into Chaotic Mayor’s Race
Instant Frontrunner
Cuomo’s hotly anticipated entry into an already packed mayoral field dramatically reshapes the race’s dynamics. He has led multiple mayoral polls by double-digit margins even before his entry (although polling experts caution that early surveys should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism).
Made in New York
Cuomo, 67, is the son of three-term New York Governor Mario Cuomo, who served from 1983 to 1994 and who ran for New York City mayor himself in 1977, losing to Ed Koch. Andrew, born and raised in Queens, famously grew up helping run his father’s campaigns before serving as secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Bill Clinton administration.
America’s Governor Resigns
But by January 2021, Cuomo’s reputation began unraveling when Attorney General Letitia James released a report finding that his administration had significantly undercounted the number of COVID deaths involving nursing home residents after he had ordered those facilities to accept all medically stable people, including those with the virus.
The Scandal Widens
The scandal widened when a top Cuomo aide, Melissa DeRosa, reportedly told Democratic lawmakers that the data had been withheld out of fear of becoming a target of the Trump administration. One Democratic state lawmaker said Cuomo threatened his career if he did not toe the governor’s line amid the fallout.
The Fallout
Following James’ report, the first Trump administration indeed began investigating Cuomo’s reporting of nursing home deaths. As the nursing home scandal gained traction, a series of women, including multiple state employees, came forward in early 2021 accusing Cuomo of inappropriate sexual behavior. The accusations ranged from requests to play strip poker to inappropriate touching and kissing.
A New Chapter
Cuomo apologized only for making women feel uncomfortable and attributed his behavior largely to shifting social norms over time. “There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate, and I should have. No excuses.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key points about Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral candidacy?
A: Cuomo, the former New York governor, has announced his candidacy for New York City mayor. He has led multiple mayoral polls by double-digit margins, despite the controversy surrounding his resignation from office in 2021.
Q: What are the key controversies surrounding Cuomo’s candidacy?
A: Cuomo has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior, as well as criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his administration’s reporting of nursing home deaths.
Q: What is the significance of Cuomo’s entry into the mayoral race?
A: Cuomo’s entry into the mayoral race significantly reshapes the dynamics of the race, as he has led multiple polls and has a strong reputation for governance and leadership.
Q: What is the outlook for Cuomo’s mayoral campaign?
A: Cuomo’s campaign is likely to be marked by controversy and scrutiny, particularly given the allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. However, he has a strong reputation for governance and leadership, which could help attract support from voters.
