Andrew Cuomo Makes Announcement About NYC
Andrew Cuomo is back. The former New York governor, who resigned in disgrace in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, has officially announced his bid for mayor of New York City. It’s a political comeback attempt that few saw coming, but in true Cuomo fashion, he’s stepping into the spotlight with confidence and a promise to fix what he calls a city “in crisis.”
In his announcement video, Cuomo painted a bleak picture of the current state of New York City. Crime, homelessness, economic stagnation—he didn’t hold back. “You feel it when you walk down the street and try not to make eye contact with a mentally ill homeless person,” he said, emphasizing the unease many residents feel navigating the city’s streets and subways. He blamed current political leaders for the city’s decline, arguing that their lack of “intelligent action” has made New York feel more dangerous and out of control.
Our city is in crisis. That’s why I am running to be Mayor of New York City. We need government to work. We need effective leadership. https://t.co/a0vVYRF4iP pic.twitter.com/JIrhD1Edqs
— Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) March 1, 2025
Cuomo, a lifelong Democrat known for his aggressive style of governance, struck a noticeably tough-on-crime tone—one that might appeal to moderates and even disillusioned conservatives in a city that has felt the impact of progressive policies.
He took direct aim at the “defund the police” movement, calling it “deadly wrong” and advocating for a significant increase in law enforcement presence. His stance is a stark contrast to the rhetoric of some of his Democratic colleagues, many of whom have hesitated to reverse course on policing policies even in the face of rising crime rates.
While Cuomo has long championed progressive causes—touting his record on gun control, LGBTQ rights, and environmental initiatives—his mayoral pitch includes positions that seem designed to appeal to a broader electorate. He spoke out forcefully against anti-Semitism, a growing concern in the city, but notably did not mention Islamophobia, a departure from the messaging of many in the Democratic Party who try to address both issues in tandem.
Perhaps the most surprising moment of his announcement was his attempt to reframe his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the widely criticized nursing home scandal—where thousands of elderly residents died after his administration ordered infected patients back into care facilities—Cuomo claimed he “led the country” through the crisis. It’s a bold assertion, given the firestorm of criticism he faced over his pandemic policies.
Still, Cuomo acknowledges that his tenure wasn’t without mistakes. “Did I always do everything right? Of course not,” he admitted. But his message is clear: he believes he’s learned from his past, and he’s ready to lead again.