The comeback attempt, three years after Andrew M. Cuomo resigned as governor in scandal, will test New Yorkers’ appetite for second chances, and change.
By Nicholas Fandos and Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, March 1, 2025
Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Saturday that he would run for mayor of New York City, upending the race to unseat Eric Adams and setting up an audacious comeback attempt three years after he resigned in disgrace.
With near-universal name recognition, deep-pocketed supporters and a decade as governor, Mr. Cuomo is expected to quickly assume front-runner status for the June Democratic primary, albeit with hefty baggage.
In a 17-minute video announcing his run, Mr. Cuomo, 67, attempted to reintroduce himself to New Yorkers on his preferred terms: as a tested manager, law-and-order moderate and forceful leader capable of rescuing a city that he said now “feels threatening, out of control, and in crisis.” He did not explicitly mention Mr. Adams, and said he would try to work with President Trump where he could.
“Today, it is necessary to launch a bold action plan to turn New York City around to save our city,” Mr. Cuomo said.
But his candidacy is also poised to push to the fore other, potentially divisive questions about the staying power of the #MeToo movement and the direction of the Democratic Party at a time when Mr. Trump is asserting power well beyond Washington.
Mr. Cuomo has spent years and $25 million in taxpayer funds for legal fees fighting to clear his name after 11 sexual harassment accusations prompted his resignation in August 2021. To win, he will have to convince New Yorkers that he is innocent — or at least to look beyond his transgressions and a field of newer talent.
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