Andrew Cuomo Eyes Political Comeback, Potentially Running for New York City Mayor

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo’s political aspirations are resurfacing as he strategically positions himself for a potential run for New York City mayor. According to a report on Thursday in The New York Post, following his tumultuous departure from office in August 2021 amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, which he continues to deny, Cuomo is making calculated moves to reclaim his place in the political arena.

Cuomo’s campaign account disbursed nearly $68,000 to the polling firm Expedition Strategies earlier this year. The payment, made on January 20 and documented as “polling costs” in the Friends of Andrew Cuomo campaign committee’s semi-annual report, signals a serious interest in gauging his current popularity, as per the information provided in The Post report. This is not Cuomo’s first engagement with the firm; he had previously employed their services in 2022.

In the aftermath of his resignation, Cuomo faced significant political isolation. However, he has diligently worked to regain visibility and influence. He launched his own podcast, established a pro-Israel group that has aired ads criticizing pro-Hamas protesters, and maintained a presence at various community events, including churches and civic organizations, as was indicated in The Post report.  These efforts reflect a deliberate strategy to reestablish his public profile and reconnect with key demographics.

Cuomo has been actively courting support from New York City’s black and Jewish communities, crucial constituencies in any mayoral campaign. Additionally, The Post reported that he has maintained connections with influential unions across the state, suggesting a broad-based approach to building a coalition of support.

Rev. Ruben Diaz, a former councilman and state senator known for his support of Donald Trump, expressed a strong belief that Cuomo is preparing for a mayoral run. “I think he’s running for mayor. I just have that feeling,” Diaz remarked, according to The Post report.

Frank Seddio, the former Brooklyn Democratic leader with ties to both Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams, suggested that Cuomo’s decision hinges on Adams’ plans. “If Eric is not running, Andrew is the front-runner,” Seddio stated, while speaking to The Post as he highlighted Cuomo’s potential to dominate the field if the incumbent mayor opts out of the race.

He added that Cuomo’s ultimate goal is to run for president. “I believe his ultimate goal is to run for president,” Seddio told The Post. Seddio, who has known Cuomo since he was a teenager and worked on his father Mario Cuomo’s 1977 mayoral campaign, described Andrew Cuomo as one of the most brilliant yet challenging figures in politics. “The brilliant people in politics are also the most difficult,” he added, as was noted in The Post report.

Despite initial reluctance to challenge incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, sources close to Cuomo suggest he is now seriously considering entering the mayoral race regardless of Adams’ status. The Post report said that earlier in the year, Cuomo’s camp indicated he would only consider running if Adams were out of the race due to the ongoing federal probe into his 2021 campaign finances. However, the city’s current challenges and Adams’ historically low poll numbers have made Cuomo more inclined to run.

“He’s looking at it very seriously,” a source close to Cuomo told The Post. “He wants back in public life. He thinks the city is in trouble and he thinks he can fix it.”

Cuomo has been notably ambiguous about his future plans. When asked by Bill Maher on the “Real Time with Bill Maher” show whether he was running for mayor or governor, Cuomo quipped, “There will be no direct answer, I just want you to know.” The Post reported that he added, “I have no current plans to make plans.” This evasiveness leaves the door open to multiple possibilities, fueling speculation about his next move.

Cuomo’s tenure as governor is marked by both significant accomplishments and major controversies. He was lauded for his early handling of the COVID-19 pandemic but later faced severe criticism for decisions such as placing recovering COVID patients into nursing homes, a move linked to numerous deaths during the pandemic’s peak, as per the information contained in The Post report. Additionally, his support for the unpopular cashless bail law and congestion pricing has attracted further scrutiny.

The sexual harassment scandals that led to his resignation continue to cast a long shadow over his legacy. Despite denying the allegations, the accusations have had a lasting impact on his public image and political viability.

The report in The Post also said that Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres commented on Cuomo’s potential comeback, stating, “Andrew Cuomo would be a formidable candidate for whatever office he decides to pursue. He has something in short supply — competence.” Torres’ remarks highlight the respect Cuomo still commands in some political quarters, despite his controversial past.

A source close to Mayor Eric Adams’ camp revealed that Adams’ team is actively working to prevent Cuomo from entering the mayoral race. “They really should pay more attention to Andrew Cuomo because he’s the only one who can beat them,” the source added, as was detailed in The Post report.

Cuomo’s reluctance to make his plans clear has kept his political adversaries and supporters alike on edge. His ability to rally support among key constituencies, combined with his extensive political experience, positions him as a formidable contender should he decide to run.

Cuomo’s recent activities, including his public engagements and efforts to gauge his popularity, indicate a strategic approach to a potential comeback. The Post report speculated that by keeping his options open and maintaining a degree of public visibility, Cuomo is positioning himself to capitalize on opportunities that may arise in the political landscape.