Catch up with the latest updates by subscribing to the White House Watch newsletter at no cost. This newsletter is your essential guide to understanding the impact of the 2024 US election on both Washington and global dynamics.
On Saturday, Andrew Cuomo made headlines by announcing his candidacy against the beleaguered New York City mayor, Eric Adams. This move marks Cuomo’s attempt to rebound politically after stepping down as state governor due to a sexual harassment scandal.
With Cuomo’s well-known name and robust network of donors, he emerges as a strong contender in the crowded race aiming to dethrone Adams. At age 67, Cuomo took a significant step back into the political arena with a 17-minute video. In his message, he addressed the pressing concerns of crime, homelessness, and economic challenges that are troubling city residents.
He didn’t mince words, saying, “There’s no denying that New York City is facing tough times. It’s evident in the vacant stores, rampant graffiti, and the overwhelming issues of migration and random violence. The city feels chaotic.”
Cuomo passionately called for “a bold action plan to rescue New York City,” criticizing the city’s current leadership for “a lack of intelligent action,” though he stopped short of directly naming Adams’ administration.
Mayor Adams, who faces deep-seated unpopularity, is still reeling from a federal indictment last year, despite the charges being dismissed by the Trump Justice Department. Cuomo emphasized his willingness to “collaborate with anyone who has New York’s best interests at heart,” citing his work with President Donald Trump during the pandemic as an example.
While Cuomo didn’t directly address the scandal from 2021 that led to his resignation, he reflected on his past, acknowledging that his mistakes had shaped him into a “better person.” He candidly admitted, “I’ve made mistakes, some of them painful.”
Cuomo’s campaign could serve as a barometer for the resilience of the #MeToo movement and may indicate who Democrats think can effectively challenge Trump. Some might view Cuomo’s direct and assertive approach as crucial in today’s political landscape.
His competition in the race includes both the current and former city comptrollers, Brad Lander and Scott Stringer, along with various state and local politicians. Even before officially announcing his run, early polls positioned Cuomo as a leading candidate.
In his campaign narrative, Cuomo emphasized the need for increased police presence, measures to secure the subway, and the construction of thousands of affordable housing units to tackle the city’s ongoing affordability crisis and public safety concerns.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Cuomo remarked, “The very essence of a progressive Democratic party should be about serving working men and women. Yet, the irony is that they are the ones bearing the brunt of New York’s leadership failures.”
