Andrew Cuomo Enters NYC Mayoral Race, Adams Fires Back \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Former Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his NYC mayoral bid, vowing to “save the city.” Mayor Eric Adams responded, saying the city needs saving “from him.” Both candidates face past scandals, setting the stage for a heated primary.
NYC Mayoral Race Quick Looks
- Cuomo Announces Candidacy – Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo officially entered the race for NYC mayor over the weekend, promising to fix the city.
- Adams Responds Sharply – Mayor Eric Adams dismissed Cuomo’s bid, saying the city needs saving from Cuomo, not by him.
- Scandals Shadow Both Candidates – Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations and criticism over COVID-19 nursing home deaths. Adams faces federal bribery accusations.
- Other Candidates in the Race – Comptroller Brad Lander, state senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and former Comptroller Scott Stringer are also running.
- Democratic Primary in June – Given NYC’s political leanings, the primary will likely decide the next mayor.
Deep Look
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2025 New York City mayoral election, launching his campaign with a bold promise to “save our city.” The announcement, delivered through a 17-minute campaign video over the weekend, framed Cuomo as an experienced and battle-tested leader who can bring stability to a city he claims is in crisis. The former governor painted a grim picture of New York, calling out rising crime, economic struggles, and what he sees as failed leadership under Mayor Eric Adams.
In his first response to Cuomo’s candidacy, Adams, speaking at a City Hall press conference on Monday, took a pointed shot at his new challenger. “I do believe we need to be saved — from him,” Adams quipped, signaling that the race could become a heated and personal battle between the two prominent Democrats. This marks Adams’ first direct criticism of Cuomo since the campaign launch and offers an early preview of the tensions likely to dominate the upcoming months leading to the Democratic primary in June.
A Race Between Two Controversial Figures
Cuomo’s entry into the race sets up a high-profile clash between two politicians whose careers have been overshadowed by scandal.
Cuomo, who served as governor from 2011 to 2021, was forced to resign following a bombshell report from the New York Attorney General’s office that found he had sexually harassed at least 11 women. The allegations included inappropriate touching and fostering a toxic workplace culture, leading to a wave of resignations from his administration and widespread calls for his removal. Cuomo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated.
Beyond the sexual harassment claims, Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a major point of contention. His administration came under fire for underreporting COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes after implementing a controversial policy that barred nursing homes from rejecting COVID-positive patients discharged from hospitals. Critics argue this decision led to unnecessary deaths and a lack of transparency regarding the true impact of the pandemic. Cuomo has defended his actions, insisting that his administration followed federal guidelines and did its best under unprecedented circumstances.
Meanwhile, Adams, the incumbent, is no stranger to controversy himself. Last year, federal prosecutors indicted Adams in a sweeping bribery case, alleging he accepted luxury travel perks and illegal campaign donations. The charges, which Adams has vigorously denied, raised questions about his ethics and financial dealings. The case took an unusual turn when the U.S. Department of Justice unexpectedly dropped the charges—reportedly in exchange for Adams’ cooperation with Republican President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. While the case has been dismissed for now, legal experts warn it could be reopened in the future, adding another layer of uncertainty to his re-election campaign.
When asked on Monday whether the allegations against Cuomo—both the sexual harassment claims and the COVID-19 cover-up—should disqualify him from the mayoral race, Adams offered a measured response. “I don’t believe in disqualifying someone unless they do something truly despicable,” he said. However, he also emphasized that he had personally met with families of nursing home residents and believed the women who had accused Cuomo. He suggested that Cuomo would have to answer for these issues directly on the campaign trail.
Cuomo’s Strategy: Experience Over Scandal
Cuomo’s campaign strategy appears to be centered on positioning himself as an experienced leader who can steer the city through tough times. In his announcement video, he leaned heavily on his time as governor, highlighting his ability to manage crises such as Hurricane Sandy and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By focusing on crime and economic instability, Cuomo is tapping into voter concerns about public safety and governance—issues that have dogged Adams throughout his tenure. Polling in recent months has suggested that many New Yorkers are frustrated with the direction of the city, particularly regarding crime, homelessness, and affordability. Cuomo’s message appears designed to appeal to moderate and older Democratic voters who may be disillusioned with Adams but hesitant to embrace more progressive candidates.
However, Cuomo’s political baggage could be a major hurdle. While he still has a loyal base of supporters, many voters may struggle to move past the scandals that forced him out of office just a few years ago. Additionally, his decision to run for mayor represents a dramatic shift for a politician who once held the state’s highest office, raising questions about whether he sees this as a genuine commitment to public service or a political comeback attempt.
Other Candidates in the Race
While much of the media attention is currently focused on the Cuomo-Adams showdown, several other prominent Democrats have entered the race, each hoping to carve out their own path to victory.
- Brad Lander – The current New York City Comptroller and a progressive voice in city politics, Lander has emphasized policies aimed at wealth redistribution, police reform, and affordable housing.
- Zellnor Myrie – A state senator known for his advocacy on housing rights and criminal justice reform.
- Jessica Ramos – Another state senator who has been vocal on labor rights, tenant protections, and education.
- Zohran Mamdani – A member of the state Assembly and a strong advocate for leftist policies, including rent control and defunding the police.
- Scott Stringer – The former city comptroller, who ran for mayor in 2021 but saw his campaign falter after facing his own sexual harassment allegations, is attempting a political comeback.
Given New York City’s overwhelmingly Democratic electorate, the winner of the June primary will likely be the next mayor, making this race the most significant electoral contest in the city.
The Road Ahead
With months to go before the primary, the race is expected to intensify, with candidates battling for endorsements, voter support, and media attention. Cuomo’s decision to enter the field has dramatically reshaped the contest, forcing Adams to defend his record while simultaneously dealing with legal troubles of his own.
As the campaign progresses, key issues such as crime, housing, economic recovery, and governance will take center stage. Voters will have to decide whether they are willing to give Cuomo a second chance, stick with Adams despite his controversies, or back a fresh face in the race.
What’s clear is that this will be one of the most closely watched and contentious mayoral elections in New York City’s recent history.
Andrew Cuomo Enters Andrew Cuomo Enters
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