Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly considering running for mayor of New York City should Mayor Eric Adams be forced from office. Sources reveal that Cuomo met with Brooklyn Democratic Party leader Frank Seddio earlier this week, expressing his interest in running if Adams were to leave his post. This would trigger a nonpartisan special election.
Cuomo has informed several individuals about his potential candidacy, including real estate professionals and construction executives. He is also in talks with the political consulting firm Mercury Public Affairs. Cuomo’s plans are less certain if he were to face off against Adams in a primary. Insiders suggest that if a special election occurs, Cuomo could offer a contrasting platform to progressive candidates such as city Comptroller Brad Lander and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.
However, Mayor Eric Adams is currently facing federal bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud charges. Despite these allegations, he has vowed to stay in office, accusing the federal government of a political hit job due to his criticism of their handling of the migrant crisis. Cuomo’s spokesman Rich Azzopardi states that speculation about his potential candidacy is premature and that Adams is entitled to due process.
Andrew Cuomo’s political career was marred by a sexual misconduct scandal in 2021, leading to his resignation as governor. A US Department of Justice probe released this year determined that he had sexually harassed at least 13 female employees and retaliated against ex-staff. Cuomo has vigorously disputed these findings. Since leaving office, Cuomo has shifted towards a more centrist political stance, speaking out against the Defund the Police movement and criticizing the handling of the migrant crisis in New York.
