Andrew Cuomo in May 2021.Photo:Spencer Platt/Getty
Spencer Platt/Getty
Former New York Gov.Andrew Cuomois officially running for New York City mayor in 2025.
The Democratic politician and lawyer, 66, announced his bid to unseat current N.Y.C. MayorEric Adams, who currentlyfaces federal criminal charges, in a post shared onXon Saturday, March 1.
“Our city is in crisis. That’s why I am running to be Mayor of New York City,” Cuomo wrote alongside a 17-minute video, in which he explained his decision to run. “We need government to work. We need effective leadership.”
The politician previously served as the 56th governor of New York from 2011 to 2021, beforeresigning in August 2021after an investigatory report was released that alleged he “sexually harassed multiple women.”
Cuomo appeared to allude to his resignation in his recent video, saying: “Did I always do everything right in my years of public service? Of course not. Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly. Did I make mistakes? Some painfully. Definitely.”
Eric Adams departing after an interview on June 11, 2024 in Washington, DC.Al Drago/Getty
Al Drago/Getty
“And I believe I learned from them, and that I am a better person for it, and I hope to show you that every day,” he continued. “But I promise you this, I know what needs to be done, and I know how to do it. And I will give it my all to get the job done. And it will get done.”
He also said that he wanted to work with PresidentDonald Trumpto “make the city better” and that he would fight for a “fair share of funding” in Washington, D.C.
“It won’t be easy, but I know we can turn this city around. And I believe I can help, and that is why I announced my candidacy today for mayor of New York City. I am a lifelong New Yorker, and I love New York, and I want New York to not only survive, but for New York to thrive for my children and for yours,” Cuomo concluded the video.
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Cuomo’s announcement comes after months of speculation that he was looking to revive his political career, though an October Maristpollfound that 55% of New York adults — and 52% of Democratic residents — were not in favor of Cuomo entering the race.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams makes a public safety-related announcement on Sept. 27, 2023.Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Cuomo is not alone in challenging Mayor Adams for the Democratic nomination. Numerous state and city lawmakers have thrown their hat into the ring, and Attorney General James — who first triggered his unraveling — has also expressed interest.
The unusually packed Democratic primary, when the incumbent mayor is seeking reelection, comes in response topollingthat showed a majority of New York City voters wanting the embattled Adams to resign before his first term ends.
“The conduct alleged in the indictment — the foreign money, the corporate money, the bribery, the years of concealment — is a grave breach of public trust,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said of the charges at the time.
Adams pleaded not guilty to the charges and has insisted that he has no plans to step down.
source: people.com
