Date: May 27, 2025

Andrew Cuomo, once New York’s three-term governor, is mounting a striking political comeback with a 2025 campaign for New York City mayor. His bid follows a 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations and criticism of his COVID-19 nursing home policies. Now, he faces off against incumbent Eric Adams, who is running as an independent after federal corruption charges upended his tenure. This article explores Cuomo’s campaign strategy, Adams’ faltering position, Democratic Party dynamics, Cuomo’s strong polling, and the divided response from New York’s political leaders.

A Redemption Campaign Takes Shape

Cuomo launched his mayoral run in March 2025, framing himself as a seasoned leader poised to tackle a city he describes as “in crisis.” His platform emphasizes public safety and quality-of-life issues, leaning on his gubernatorial experience. Despite stepping down after a state investigation confirmed he harassed 11 women, Cuomo has pivoted to a redemption narrative, aided by the dismissal of a related lawsuit in December 2024. His adoption of progressive policies has sparked both support and skepticism, broadening his appeal while raising questions about consistency.

Adams’ Woes Alter the Race

Mayor Eric Adams’ legal and political troubles have redefined the 2025 contest. Facing federal corruption charges and backlash over an alleged migrant raid deal with the Trump administration, Adams abandoned the Democratic primary in April 2025 to run independently. Recent polls show him languishing at 7% support, a steep decline that has fractured the vote and created an opening for Cuomo. The city’s ranked-choice voting system could further amplify this advantage, potentially propelling Cuomo past a divided field.

Democratic Backing: Strong but Fractured

Cuomo’s campaign boasts significant grassroots energy and financial muscle—a pro-Cuomo PAC has amassed $2.5 million, dwarfing the $2,000 raised by an opposing group. Yet, the Democratic establishment remains divided. He lacks an official party endorsement, and the Working Families Party has rejected him outright. This split reflects a broader tension: some see Cuomo as the most viable challenger to Adams, while others fear his baggage could repel progressive voters in a city trending left.

Polls Show Cuomo’s Edge

Cuomo’s polling strength underscores his frontrunner status. A May 2025 Marist Poll pegs him at 37% in the first round of ranked-choice voting, climbing to 53% in the final count. A March 2025 Data for Progress survey recorded 39% support, with his closest competitor, Zohran Mamdani, at 15%. Despite low favorability in liberal enclaves like Park Slope, Cuomo’s lead persists, a testament to his political durability even as his past scandals linger in public memory.

Party Leaders Grapple with Cuomo’s Return

New York’s Democratic leadership is at odds over Cuomo’s candidacy. Critics like Brad Lander have held urgent press conferences to condemn his record, while Scott Stringer and Zellnor Myrie court key voting blocs, including Black churchgoers, to counter his momentum. Resistance efforts, such as an anti-Cuomo super PAC, have faltered, raising just $2,000. Meanwhile, a union that once demanded Cuomo’s resignation has shifted course, pledging $1 million to the race—a pragmatic move highlighting the party’s internal conflict between principle and electability.

What Lies Ahead

Andrew Cuomo’s bid for mayor is a bold play, leveraging Adams’ vulnerabilities and his own robust voter base. His fundraising and poll numbers position him as the candidate to beat, despite a lack of unified Democratic support. The campaign promises to be divisive, with his history ensuring sharp debate as November nears. The result could reshape New York City’s political future—and determine whether Cuomo can reclaim his legacy.

Sources

•  Andrew Cuomo Releases First Ad in 2025 Mayor’s Race Crisis – andrewcuomo.com

•  Who’s Running for NYC Mayor in 2025? – The New York Times

•  Marist Poll NYC Likely Democratic Primary Voters May 2025 – maristpoll.marist.edu

•  Cuomo Leads NYC Mayor’s Race With 39%, Mamdani at 15% – dataforprogress.org

•  2025 New York City mayoral election – Wikipedia

•  Time running out to topple Cuomo in New York City mayor’s race – POLITICO

•  The Cuomo paradox: Unpopular, yet still leading the New York City mayor’s race – POLITICO

•  Despite missteps, Andrew Cuomo maintains commanding lead in New York mayor’s race – POLITICO

•  Cuomo relying on far-left policy shifts to win NYC mayoral race – New York Post

•  A Union That Pushed Cuomo to Resign Spends $1 Million – The New York Times

•  Andrew Cuomo announces he’s running for New York City mayor – CNN

•  Cuomo Enters N.Y.C. Mayor’s Race, Upending Contest to Unseat Adams – The New York Times

•  Andrew Cuomo: Former governor announces New York City mayor run – BBC