Andrew Cuomo’s Past Controversies Take Center Stage In NYC Democratic Mayoral Debate

In the first New York City Democratic mayoral primary debate, frontrunner candidate Andrew Cuomo was relentlessly targeted by his opposition over past sexual harassment allegations and a federal investigation into his administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The televised debate featured nine candidates, including Cuomo, City Comptroller Brad Lander, state Sens. Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and businessman Whitney Tilson.

With early voting set to begin June 14, Cuomo’s opponents took the debate as an opportunity to cut into his sizable lead in the polls.

Cuomo’s bid for mayor is an attempt to return to politics after he resigned as governor of New York in 2021 amid allegations of sexually harassing 11 women, which he has publicly denied.

Cuomo is also facing renewed scrutiny after the U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into allegations that he misled investigators about the true number of nursing home deaths in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic. His administration has been accused of underestimating the total death count by approximately 50%. However, the former governor has downplayed any wrongdoing on his part and by his administration.

“I said at the time it was political and it was false,” said Cuomo when asked about the investigation. “I stand by the report.”

The candidates used Cuomo’s controversies to hammer the former governor and chip away at his frontrunner status.

Blake frequently bombarded Cuomo with comments on his allegations.

“The people who don’t feel safe are the young women, mothers and grandmothers around Andrew Cuomo — that’s the greatest threat to public safety,” said Blake.

Lander likened the controversy surrounding President Donald Trump to that of Cuomo.

“With all the corruption that’s in Washington, we can’t have corruption back here in New York City as well,” said Lander after condemning Trump’s targeting of undocumented immigrants for deportation.

Cuomo responded to Lander by claiming the city comptroller approved contracts for organizations connected to Lander’s wife.

“Mr. Lander knows corruption,” said Cuomo.

Cuomo also went on to condemn Trump by calling the president “a bully.” His campaign has made a concerted effort to distance itself from the president in the deep-blue state.

Despite the relentless attacks during the debate, Cuomo remains the overwhelming favorite to win the Democratic nomination. His long-standing presence in New York politics, key endorsements, and strong poll numbers give him a significant advantage over his rivals.

With Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who had his corruption case dropped by Trump’s Justice Department earlier this year, skipping the party’s primary after announcing he would run as an independent, Cuomo is attempting to run away with the Democratic nomination.

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Article by Kevin Maguire