Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces run for NYC mayor
The announcement came in a video posted on social media.
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Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, has announced his bid to be the next mayor of New York City.
The announcement came in a video posted on social media.
His decision to run had been first reported by News 12's Tara Rosenblum.
“I am not saying this is going to be easy, it won’t be easy but I know we can turn the city around and I believe I can help and that is why I announce my candidacy today for Mayor of New York City today,” he said.
The Democrat is expected to mount a formidable campaign after his 2021 resignation as governor amid sexual harassment allegations - which Cuomo has adamantly denied. There were never any felony charges, but there was a misdemeanor charge that was later dropped.
He takes on a large field of primary opponents with low name recognition plus an incumbent, Mayor Eric Adams, who - for now - remains under indictment on federal corruption charges, and under scrutiny from critics who question his independence from Republican President Donald Trump.
Cuomo enters the race with fundraising prowess, a record of accomplishments over his three terms as governor and potential support among many of the same moderate voters who helped propel Adams to the mayor’s office.
Last month, District 15 Rep. Ritchie Torres announced his endorsement for Cuomo. In a one-on-one interview, News 12 reporter Marissa Santorelli asked Rep. Torres if the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo would impact him in the polls.
"In America, there is a presumption of innocence. There is due process of law. But rather than relitigate the past, we have to look forward to the future," Torres responded.
Ahead of the announcement, Cuomo allies created a super PAC called "Fix the City." It was registered with the state Board of Elections on Feb. 26. The state Board of Elections website lists longtime Cuomo advisor Steven M. Cohen as one of the individuals behind the PAC.
AP Wire Services contributed to this report.
