Andrew Cuomo Says He May Run For Governor Again As Third-Party Candidate

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced on Thursday during a speech in the Bronx that he is open to running against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for his old position.

Cuomo resigned last August after eleven allegations of sexual harassment prompted an investigation by New York Attorney Gen. Letitia James. The strongest case, made by Cuomo’s former aide Brittany Commisso, was dismissed in early January after district attorney David Soares declined to prosecute due to lack of evidence. Cuomo repeatedly denied the claims, even releasing an ad targeting James earlier this month, suggesting that her investigation was a “political attack.”

In his speech, the ex-governor also signaled that he might consider running as a third, self-created party candidate because he feels that Republicans and Democrats have become two extremes.

“We saw it first with the Republican’s Tea Party which proclaimed an uncompromising radical position and insisted on compliance and discipline,” said Cuomo. “We see it now with the Democratic Party with the extremists dictating radical positions which in many ways are driving the Democratic Party.”

He added that he was the victim of “cancel culture,” and urged his audience to take a stand against extremism.

Cuomo has continued to stay in the public eye after his resignation. In addition to running the ad against James, he gave a speech in Brooklyn earlier this month and recently had dinners with New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R).

In a recent poll conducted by Emerson College and The Hill, Cuomo sat four points behind Hochul. Hochul is up for reelection in 2022 and is currently running against Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York) and public advocate Jumaane Williams. If Cuomo runs again, he will be running for this fourth term in office. Hochul has hinted at implementing a two-term limit.