Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo officially threw his hat into the ring for the New York City mayoral race on Saturday, making a long-anticipated announcement that could upend an already crowded Democratic primary. Cuomo’s entry poses a significant threat to embattled incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, whose scandal-plagued first term has left him vulnerable.
Cuomo, widely seen as the front-runner, has been quietly laying the groundwork for his political comeback for months. While avoiding an official announcement, he has strategically capitalized on Adams’ struggles, positioning himself as a seasoned leader capable of restoring order to a city he claims feels “threatening” and “out of control.”
In a 17-minute, 30-second announcement video posted on YouTube, Cuomo painted a grim picture of New York City under Adams’ leadership, emphasizing rising crime and a lack of direction. “The city just feels threatening, out of control,” Cuomo said, appealing to voters’ frustrations and positioning himself as the solution.
Cuomo’s entry into the race adds a new layer of drama to an already contentious primary. With his name recognition, political experience, and deep connections in New York politics, he could easily eclipse other candidates. However, his bid is not without controversy. Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment and criticism over his handling of COVID-19 nursing home data, leaving some voters skeptical of his candidacy.
As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how Cuomo navigates his past scandals while trying to convince New Yorkers he’s the right leader to steer the city forward. One thing is certain: the 2025 mayoral race just got a lot more interesting.
