Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo Announces Bid For NYC Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 after a slew of sexual harassment claims and a scandal involving COVID-19 nursing home deaths, announced his candidacy for New York City mayor on Saturday.

"Our city is in crisis. That's why I am running to be Mayor of New York City," Cuomo said in the announcement. "We need government to work. We need effective leadership."

Earlier this week, reports said Cuomo was preparing for a mayoral run and was expected to declare his candidacy this weekend. According to a New York Times report, the former governor and his allies believe there is a clear path to City Hall amidst the ongoing federal corruption scandal involving Mayor Eric Adams.

On Monday, Rep. Ritchie Torres, backed Cuomo for New York City Mayor.

"The two most important things we need are competence and courage," Torres told the New York Post.

"Andrew Cuomo has the competence to govern the city. He has the courage to stand up to extremist politics – both from the far left and far right. We don’t need a Mr. Nice Guy. We need a Mr. Tough Guy."

"He has my endorsement as soon as he enters the race," Torres added.

Cuomo, a Democrat, resigned from his role as New York's governor in 2021 after a firestorm of controversy over accusations of sexual harassment.

In the video announcing his run, Cuomo pitched his return as a way to pull the city from social and political turmoil, highlighting moderate positions on crime and his long history of political accomplishments.

“I am not saying this is going to be easy, it won’t be easy but I know we can turn the city around and I believe I can help and that is why I announce my candidacy today for Mayor of New York City today,” he said.

He takes on a large field of primary opponents with low name recognition plus an incumbent, Mayor Eric Adams, who — for now — remains under indictment on federal corruption charges, and under scrutiny from critics who question his independence from Republican President Donald Trump.

Cuomo enters the race with fundraising prowess, a record of accomplishments over his three terms as governor and potential support among many of the same moderate voters who helped propel Adams to the mayor’s office.

It remains unclear whether voters are willing to give Cuomo another chance following his remarkable downfall 3 1/2 years ago.

In his campaign video, Cuomo acknowledged past “mistakes" over his long career but cast himself as a seasoned leader who could thread political divides between the left and right, calling for a government that “can take a stand and get things done.”

“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service? Of course not. Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly. 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."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.