Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially entered the race for mayor of New York City, setting the stage for a contentious battle against incumbent Eric Adams. Cuomo, who resigned in disgrace in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, is attempting a political comeback, framing himself as the leader who can fix a city in crisis. But is his return about redemption, or is it an effort to rehabilitate his tarnished image while undermining a mayor who, despite challenges, has made notable progress?
Cuomo’s Tarnished Past: Why He Really Resigned
While Cuomo’s resignation was ostensibly due to multiple sexual harassment allegations from former staffers, the true scandal that should haunt his political career is his handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
In March 2020, Cuomo’s administration issued a directive requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients from hospitals, leading to the spread of the virus among the most vulnerable population. The result? Thousands of preventable deaths. According to reports, the true number of nursing home deaths exceeded 15,000. But Cuomo’s administration deliberately manipulated the data, underreporting the death toll by thousands in an effort to protect his public image. His team actively removed critical figures from a state report, prompting backlash from health officials. Some resigned in protest, while others feared retribution if they spoke out.
Under pressure, Cuomo later admitted that his administration withheld data out of concern that the Trump administration would use it against him. Yet this deception was happening at the same time he was negotiating a $5 million book deal, touting his so-called success in handling the pandemic. “The central role played by the governor’s top aides reflected the lengths to which Mr. Cuomo has gone in the middle of a deadly pandemic to control data, brush aside public health expertise, and bolster his position as a national leader in the fight against the coronavirus,” the New York Times reported.
Despite overwhelming evidence of mismanagement, Cuomo has never taken full responsibility. Now, as he attempts a return to public office, many are questioning whether he should be trusted to lead New York City after such catastrophic failures.
The Battle for City Hall: Cuomo vs. Adams
The Democratic primary for NYC mayor is shaping up to be a fierce contest, with Cuomo positioning himself as a seasoned leader who can solve the city’s growing issues of crime, homelessness, and economic instability. But he faces stiff competition, particularly from current Mayor Eric Adams, who—despite challenges—has made tangible improvements in the city.
Adams has worked to tackle crime, boost the economy, and restore confidence in city leadership. Under his administration, major crime rates have begun to decline, and New York’s economy is showing signs of recovery post-pandemic. Yet he has been the target of a relentless campaign from within his own party. Accused of taking illegal campaign contributions from Turkey, Adams has denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department, now under President Trump’s leadership, recently moved to dismiss the charges, but a federal judge has delayed the ruling, allowing outside attorneys to scrutinize the case further.
Adams’ critics in the Democratic Party have been relentless, seeking to paint him as corrupt and ineffective, despite his administration’s efforts to improve public safety and address quality-of-life issues. His defenders argue that the real issue isn’t his governance, but rather the Democratic establishment’s hostility toward him. Cuomo’s entry into the race seems like a calculated move to capitalize on this internal division.
A Political Maneuver: Cuomo’s Image Rehab
Cuomo’s campaign announcement carefully framed him as a leader who could unite New York and bring practical solutions to its problems. In his video, he claimed, “Did I make mistakes, some painfully? Definitely, and I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for it and I hope to show that every day.” But his bid for mayor is about more than just redemption—it is an attempt to erase the scandals that forced him out of office and position himself as a savior figure.
Cuomo’s messaging suggests that he sees Adams as a weak incumbent and believes he can exploit dissatisfaction among Democratic voters. However, his history of authoritarian leadership, backroom deals, and media manipulation raises concerns about whether he is truly committed to the city’s well-being or simply his own rehabilitation.
“I know what needs to be done and I know how to do it,” Cuomo boldly stated in his announcement. But many New Yorkers remember how his governing style was characterized by intimidation, power grabs, and cover-ups. His administration’s handling of the MTA left the subway system struggling, and his political feuds often resulted in gridlock rather than solutions. Critics argue that he is simply another career politician looking for a way back into power, rather than a genuine advocate for New Yorkers.
The Verdict: New Yorkers Deserve Better
New York City faces a pivotal choice in the upcoming mayoral election. On one side is Eric Adams, a mayor facing intense scrutiny but making measurable improvements to the city. On the other is Andrew Cuomo, a former governor whose mishandling of COVID-19 led to thousands of deaths, whose administration manipulated public data, and whose resignation followed multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
Cuomo’s bid for mayor is not about serving the people of New York—it’s about salvaging his own reputation. The same man who covered up nursing home deaths, intimidated political opponents, and abused his power is now asking voters for a second chance. New Yorkers should remember the full scope of his failures before considering handing him the keys to City Hall.
New York needs strong leadership—one that prioritizes results over reputation management. The city deserves a mayor focused on real solutions, not one who is using it as a stepping stone for personal redemption.
