Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Announces Run For NYC Mayor, Leads Race In New Poll

On Saturday, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his candidacy for New York City mayor. “At this time when the nation is searching for its soul, when it is divided as never before, when it’s questioning our democratic values, it’s questioning the very role of government, it’s questioning the balance of power,” Cuomo said in an announcement video. “New York must show the way forward and remind this country who we are at our best.”

Cuomo joins a crowded field already leading the Democratic primary race. In a new Emerson poll, Cuomo led the field with 33 percent. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (D) follows Cuomo with 10 percent, with City Comptroller Scott Stringer with 8 percent behind him. Fourth place is a three-way tie with state Sen. Jessica Ramos, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie and City Comptroller Brad Lander with 6 percent.

Adams faces difficulties in the race due to his five-count criminal indictment on allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. He has denied the allegations, saying they are politically motivated. Last month, the Trump Justice Department sought to have the charges dismissed, leading to accusations of a corrupt bargain with the mayor.

If Adams loses the mayoral race, he’ll be the first New York City incumbent mayor to lose in 50 years.

Cuomo was the three-term governor of New York but resigned in 2021 surrounding sexual harassment allegations.

Adams is the second black mayor of New York City and leads black voters with 23 percent, with Cuomo not on the ballot, but with Cuomo on the ballot, he leads with 35 percent.