Andrew Cuomo relaunches his political career by running for mayor of New York City

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his entry into the race for mayor of New York City weeks ago, marking a significant comeback attempt following his resignation due to numerous sexual harassment allegations in 2021. Cuomo, who served as governor between 2011 and 2021, has considerable name recognition and a network of wealthy supporters. His announcement came in the context of rising housing costs, public safety concerns, and a leadership crisis under current Mayor Eric Adams, who faces federal corruption charges. Despite his controversial background, Cuomo believes he can address the city's pressing issues. Cuomo's decision to run was influenced by his poll standings, which indicated he was leading potential rivals before making his official announcement. His campaign launch focused on his experience as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he gained national attention for his handling of the crisis. However, critics and opponents have begun attacking him for his past treatment of women, his leadership during the pandemic, and his recent lack of residency in the city. In particular, city comptroller Brad Lander publicly questioned whether New Yorkers want to replace one controversial figure with another. In his campaign video, Cuomo addressed his past, admitting to mistakes in his years of public service and emphasizing his growth from those experiences. He is running as a Democrat and aims to align himself with moderate positions on law and order, while also appealing to progressive elements within the party. His campaign is powered by a super PAC aiming to raise substantial funds, which could give him a significant advantage over his competitors. Cuomo's entrance into the race reopens discussions about his controversial legacy, marked by both his governance during the pandemic and his subsequent downfall. As a frontrunner in a crowded democratic primary election scheduled for June, he faces the challenge of rehabilitating his image among voters who may still harbor doubts about his fitness for office. The competitive landscape reflects deep divisions within the Democratic party, especially as numerous candidates, including Brad Lander and former state comptroller Scott Stringer, have emerged, voicing their criticisms of Cuomo's past. With ongoing allegations against Eric Adams, this election cycle in New York City may test both Cuomo's resilience and the electorate's willingness to forgive and forget.