Andrew Cuomo Leading NYC Mayor Race Despite Past Scandal

Andrew Cuomo, a well-known figure in New York politics, appears to have emerged as a frontrunner in the NYC mayoral race despite his past harassment scandal.

Key Insights

Andrew Cuomo leads the NYC mayoral race despite past allegations.
Cuomo’s campaign addresses city crises and criticizes current leadership.
Polls indicate Cuomo’s strong support among registered Democrats.
Current mayor Eric Adams faces declining approval and legal concerns.

Cuomo’s Return to Politics

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo officially entered the New York City mayoral race at the beginning of March, and appears to have positioned himself as a leading contender. Despite stepping down from the governorship in 2021 amid harassment claims, Cuomo’s political career may not be over. Recent polls rank him above Mayor Eric Adams, with a Quinnipiac University survey from before and after Cuomo launched his campaign putting him at 31% support compared to just 11% for Adams. Cuomo was also named the favorite Democratic candidate by about a third of participants in two other February polls. With a quick look back, Cuomo’s tenure as governor ended in scandal, but his political prowess continues to attract significant attention.

Cuomo’s campaign aims to confront issues such as homelessness and public safety, targeting deficiencies he perceives in Mayor Adams’ administration. His efforts focus on emphasizing his past achievements, notably in infrastructure, while addressing the city’s ongoing crises.

Scandal-scarred former Gov Andrew Cuomo is the frontrunner in NYC mayoral race https://t.co/vcAkRZAShK

— Fox News Politics (@foxnewspolitics) March 10, 2025

Contending with Controversy

Since resigning his governorship, Andrew Cuomo has faced an uphill battle amidst serious accusations. Allegations of harassment and a controversial 2020 health emergency response continue to shadow his political life. Nonetheless, Cuomo maintains his innocence and denies the charges, and even initiated legal action against an accuser.

Cuomo’s campaign strategy involves leveraging endorsements from influential figures and securing the support of local unions. The formation of a super PAC, dubbed “Fix the City,” aims to gather substantial financial backing.

Mary Snow, an assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll, spoke to Fox News about Cuomo’s history, saying, “The question is: (a) how big of an issue will candidates make Cuomo’s baggage in the campaign, and (b) will that strategy resonate with voters?”

An Election with National Implications

The race is not solely a local affair; it has captured national interest, and its implications could extend beyond New York City. As Cuomo positions himself as a law-and-order moderate, highlighting accomplishments like infrastructure advancement from his gubernatorial tenure, these strategies may strengthen his appeal. Meanwhile, rivals are seizing upon his past controversies, indicating his history will play a role in the upcoming election’s outcome.

Cuomo’s efforts represent a significant attempt at political redemption, testing whether leadership experience, resilience, and a proposed new direction can surmount past shadows. Regardless of the unfolding developments, Andrew Cuomo remains a central figure in a turbulent election path, with high stakes for the city’s future.