Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, is reportedly on the verge of announcing his candidacy for mayor of New York City, prompting speculation about his potential campaign slogan. Observers suggest he may adopt a mantra of “No Remorse, No Regrets,” a strategy that could allow him to circumvent discussions of his controversial past while focusing on his perceived accomplishments.
Cuomo’s tenure as governor, which lasted 14 years, ended in August 2021 when he resigned amid a series of scandals and allegations of sexual harassment. His departure came just before he faced likely impeachment. Despite the weight of his past, Cuomo seems to believe that New Yorkers are eager for new leadership and that he can rally support by highlighting his achievements in infrastructure and other areas, while avoiding accountability for his failures.
However, this approach raises concerns, as many of the issues currently facing New York, such as lenient criminal justice laws and congestion pricing, are linked to his policies. Critics argue that ignoring his past mistakes could hinder his chances of success in the mayoral race. Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly a controversial directive that required nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, remains a significant point of contention. This decision has been linked to thousands of deaths, and Cuomo’s refusal to take responsibility continues to provoke outrage among affected families.
Polls indicate that Cuomo maintains a notable level of support among likely voters, with recent surveys showing him leading the Democratic primary field with around 38%. His closest competitor, Mayor Eric Adams, trails significantly at 10%. Despite this apparent backing, Cuomo’s past presents a cautionary tale, reminiscent of other political figures like Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner, who faced similar scandals and struggled to regain public trust.
Ultimately, experts suggest that for Cuomo to have a viable path forward, he must confront his record honestly and acknowledge the harm caused during his administration, particularly to the families of those affected by his nursing home policies. Without a genuine effort to rebuild trust, his campaign may falter despite the city’s current desire for effective leadership.