Andrew Cuomo, the former New York Governor who resigned in disgrace in 2021, is now leading the Democratic primary for New York City Mayor, reviving a political career many believed was finished.
At a Glance
- Cuomo leads the Democratic primary despite his 2021 resignation over sexual harassment allegations
- The first debate saw sharp attacks from rival candidates, especially State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani
- Cuomo faces a federal investigation into underreported COVID-19 nursing home deaths
- Sexual misconduct accusations and his gubernatorial record continue to haunt his campaign
- The Democratic winner will likely face incumbent Eric Adams, running as an independent
Heated Exchanges Define First Debate
During the first televised debate, Cuomo absorbed pointed attacks from eight opponents. Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, polling second, made headlines by linking Cuomo’s campaign funding to Trump donors: “My campaign is not funded by the very billionaires who put Donald Trump in D.C.,” he said.
Cuomo snapped back, saying Mamdani “has been in government 27 minutes” and “passed three bills. That’s all he’s done.” The fiery exchange set the tone for a debate where Cuomo was both target and centerpiece.
Watch a report: NYC Mayoral Debate Highlights
Federal Investigation Looms
Beyond the political barbs, Cuomo’s candidacy remains clouded by a Justice Department investigation into his alleged undercounting of COVID-19 nursing home deaths. When questioned during the debate about whether he lied to Congress, Cuomo offered a vague response: “I was very aware of the report,” but did not clarify whether his prior testimony was accurate.
The case is part of a broader effort by federal investigators to determine if Cuomo’s administration deliberately concealed critical public health data during the pandemic’s peak.
Resurfaced Harassment Allegations
The sexual harassment allegations that led to Cuomo’s 2021 resignation also resurfaced. Several candidates used the debate to remind voters of the misconduct findings in the New York Attorney General’s 2021 report. Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing, suggesting instead that he failed to adjust to “evolving norms” around workplace behavior—a stance that continues to polarize voters.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams lambasted Cuomo’s overall leadership, citing not just the misconduct but also his record on healthcare, child care, and social services.
Crowded Field, Familiar Name
The Democratic field includes familiar names like Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Michael Blake, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, and Whitney Tilson. However, most trail Cuomo in both fundraising and polling, which experts attribute to his high name recognition from his three gubernatorial terms.
Uniquely, Mayor Eric Adams is not competing in the Democratic primary but will run on an independent line—setting the stage for a general election clash between Cuomo and the incumbent in a city where Democrats overwhelmingly dominate the electorate.
With early voting set for June 14 and the primary on June 24, candidates have just weeks to challenge Cuomo’s lead. Whether they can overcome his resilience—or his controversial past—remains to be seen.
