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Andrew Cuomo has entered NYC mayor race

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has entered NYC mayor race, making his announcement on Saturday.

His candidacy comes at a time when current Mayor Eric Adams is facing mounting controversy due to an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery, creating an opening for a strong challenger.

Cuomo, once a dominant figure in New York politics, is positioning himself as a seasoned leader who can restore order to a city grappling with rising crime and economic uncertainty.

In a 17-minute video posted to X (formerly Twitter), he emphasized his experience and painted a grim picture of New York City’s current state, vowing to reverse its decline.

“The city just feels threatening, out of control,” Cuomo declared in his announcement. “These conditions exist not as an act of God, but rather as an act of our political leaders. Or more precisely, the lack of intelligent action by many of our political leaders.”

Though he did not mention Mayor Adams by name, his remarks appeared to be a pointed critique of the current administration’s handling of crime, homelessness, and quality-of-life issues.

“That is why I announced my candidacy today for New York City,” Cuomo continued, pledging to bring competence and stability back to city governance.

Cuomo’s decision to enter the mayoral race marks a dramatic political comeback after he resigned as Governor of New York in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.

Multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior, leading to an investigation by the state attorney general, which concluded that he had sexually harassed several women. Cuomo has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the investigation was politically motivated.

Additionally, his tenure as governor was marred by controversy over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration was widely criticized for policies that contributed to a high number of deaths in nursing homes. A report later found that the state had undercounted nursing home deaths, further damaging his reputation.

In his campaign video, Cuomo briefly acknowledged his past mistakes but framed them as learning experiences that have made him a better leader.

“Did I always do everything right in my years of government service? Of course not,” he admitted. “Would I do some things differently knowing what I know now? Certainly. Did I make mistakes? Some painfully. Definitely. And I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for it. And I hope to show you that every day.”

Cuomo enters the race as a formidable candidate, leveraging his deep political connections and name recognition. His experience as governor, combined with his ability to command media attention, could make him a strong contender in what is expected to be a heated race.

Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams is under increasing scrutiny as federal investigators probe allegations that his campaign may have received illegal donations from foreign entities. The controversy has weakened his standing among voters, with recent polls showing a decline in public approval.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.