Andrew Cuomo attempts political comeback with run for New York City mayor - Financial Times

In a surprising turn of events, former New York state governor, Andrew Cuomo, has announced his intention to run for mayor of New York City. This move comes four years after Cuomo's resignation from his governorship following allegations of sexual harassment. The decision marks an audacious attempt at a political comeback, injecting a high-profile and controversial figure back into the heart of New York politics.

Given his past controversies, Cuomo's decision has ignited a flurry of discussions and debates, with many questioning the viability and potential impact of his return to political life. This story explores the implications of Cuomo's comeback bid, the reaction from political and public circles, and the challenges he is likely to face in this endeavor.

Andrew Cuomo, the son of former New York governor Mario Cuomo, has had a long and storied career in politics. First serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, Cuomo moved on to serve as the Attorney General of New York before his election as governor in 2010. During his tenure, Cuomo was known for his aggressive style of governance and his commitment to progressive policies, including the passage of same-sex marriage legislation and strict gun control laws.

However, Cuomo's career was derailed in 2018 when multiple allegations of sexual harassment were made against him. These allegations, which Cuomo has consistently denied, led to an investigation by the state's Attorney General, Letitia James. The report, published in August 2018, found that Cuomo had sexually harassed multiple women, violating state and federal laws. The fallout from this scandal led to Cuomo's resignation as governor in September 2018.

Since his resignation, Cuomo has largely remained out of the public eye. However, recent reports suggest that he is considering a return to politics, with a possible run for mayor of New York City. This potential comeback is seen by some as a chance for Cuomo to rehabilitate his image, while others view it with skepticism given the serious allegations that led to his resignation.

The former governor's attempt to resurface in the political world hasn't been smooth. Although he's been met with some support, the specter of his controversial past continues to loom large. It was only four years ago that Cuomo resigned as governor of New York amid a flurry of sexual harassment allegations. He vehemently denied the accusations but ultimately chose to step down, stating it would be in the best interest of New Yorkers.

While Cuomo's political career had been marred by scandal, he had previously enjoyed a solid reputation for his handling of the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His daily briefings earned him a national following and even sparked talks of a potential presidential run. However, that image quickly crumbled under the weight of the harassment allegations and subsequent investigations, leading to his resignation.

The public sentiment towards Cuomo's potential comeback has been mixed. Some see his decision to run for mayor as a chance for redemption, while others believe it's a move to regain lost political power. Critics argue that his attempt to return to public office signals a disregard for the severity of the allegations made against him.

Despite the controversy, Cuomo remains undeterred, maintaining that he has always acted in the best interest of the people of New York. As he gears up to run for mayor, the question remains whether voters will be willing to look beyond his tarnished past and give him another shot at leadership.

The potential success of Cuomo's political comeback hinges on how the public interacts with his past. Political analysts suggest that his previous leadership experiences could either serve as an asset or a liability, depending on the voters' perspective. "The public's memory can be short, but it is also selective. Some voters will remember Cuomo's handling of the pandemic and his strong leadership during Hurricane Sandy. Others, however, will recall the sexual harassment allegations and his resignation," says Dr. Patricia Harris, a political science professor at New York University.

Since the announcement of his mayoral campaign, Cuomo has received a mixed bag of reactions from the public. Supporters highlight his accomplishments as governor and his extensive experience in public service. Detractors, however, point to the allegations that led to his resignation as evidence of his unsuitability for leadership.

"Public opinion is a critical factor in any election, but it's especially influential in a comeback bid," says John Roberts, a senior political analyst at Columbia University. "Cuomo's ability to secure the mayoral seat will largely depend on his capacity to reconcile with the public, address past missteps, and present a compelling vision for the future of New York City."

Andrew Cuomo's decision to re-enter the political arena is a daring move that has been met with a mix of reactions from various quarters. His past achievements as governor of New York state, including leading the state through the COVID-19 pandemic, are being weighed against the allegations of sexual harassment that led to his resignation four years ago.

The upcoming New York City mayoral election is set to be a crucial test of Cuomo's political relevance and viability. Whether the voters of New York City are willing to give Cuomo a second chance, or if they will focus on the controversy that ended his governorship, remains to be seen.

Regardless of the outcome, Cuomo's run for mayor signals a significant moment in his career and could potentially redefine his political legacy. It is a story that will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention of New Yorkers and those beyond the city's borders.

Source: https://www.ft.com/content/e2ccb52b-27c1-440f-93cc-3b0865eee526