The potential mayoral race in New York is heating up, with former Governor Andrew Cuomo weighing a bid amid a series of controversies surrounding his past administration. Although Cuomo has strong name recognition, his rivals point to his political baggage and controversies, which could hurt his chances in the face of scandal-fatigued voters.
Cuomo Faces Backlash as Potential Mayoral Candidate
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is considering a run for mayor to replace Eric Adams, who is currently facing a federal corruption indictment. According to political strategist Alyssa Cass, voters may be wary of Cuomo due to past scandals, including his management of nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and his involvement in a bid-rigging scandal a decade ago.
Cuomo has not officially declared his candidacy but has been exploring his chances as Adams’ legal troubles deepen.
Stringer Camp Warns of Cold Reception
Scott Stringer, the former New York City Comptroller who is eyeing a run for mayor, may find an opportunity to challenge Cuomo. Cass, a key adviser to Stringer, outlined vulnerabilities in Cuomo’s potential comeback bid in a memo. She emphasized that voters are likely fatigued by political scandals, particularly given Adams’ ongoing legal battles.
Stringer’s camp believes that Cuomo’s past issues could significantly hinder his ability to win back voters.
Cuomo’s Controversial Past
Cuomo’s past controversies remain a focal point in the debate. Among the most significant issues are his handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his administration faced criticism for policies that may have worsened the death toll. Additionally, Cuomo’s involvement in an anti-corruption commission, which he later disbanded after it started probing his administration, adds to the growing list of concerns.
His lucrative book deal, which chronicled his handling of the pandemic, has also been a point of contention for critics who view it as a cash grab amid a public health crisis.
Rivalry with Progressive Activists
Cuomo’s tenure as governor was also marked by clashes with progressive activists over issues like taxation and budget spending. These confrontations could haunt him as he tries to appeal to a broader base of Democratic voters in New York City, especially given the growing influence of progressive candidates in recent elections.
Scott Stringer’s camp hopes to leverage these past tensions as part of their strategy to prevent Cuomo from making a political comeback.
Cuomo’s Strength with Black Voters
Despite his baggage, Cuomo’s team remains confident in his support base, particularly among Black voters. A recent poll conducted by Marist College found that while 55 percent of voters don’t want Cuomo to run for mayor, he still enjoys significant support from the Black community.
Cuomo’s political team believes this demographic could be crucial if he decides to run, especially if Adams steps down early and a special election is triggered.
Possible Path to Victory
Cuomo’s campaign team also sees a potential advantage in a nonpartisan special election, which would occur if Adams leaves office early. Since all registered voters can participate, Cuomo’s widespread name recognition could give him a leg up, particularly with moderate and working-class voters who may not be affiliated with a specific party.
His campaign remains optimistic, seeing Adams’ legal troubles as an opening for Cuomo to reclaim political relevance.
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