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In a stunning political comeback attempt, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged as a leading contender in New York City’s mayoral race, despite the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation in 2021. This development has left his primary accuser, Lindsey Boylan, expressing deep concern over the seeming shift in political attitudes.
“If anything has changed, momentarily, it’s that across our country, across issues, people who should be speaking up, aren’t,” Boylan told The Associated Press, reflecting on the muted response from Democratic leaders who previously called for Cuomo’s resignation.
The former aide, who worked in the Cuomo administration for three years, added, “I don’t think anything has specifically changed with women being angry about how our rights are being taken away. But the fact that most of our leaders are more interested in staying comfortable and staying in their jobs than actually protecting us and defending us. That’s gotten much worse.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo officially announces his run for New York City Mayor.
Anyone who votes for him is a certifiable retard. pic.twitter.com/pbl75IpVGz
— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) March 1, 2025
The political landscape has notably shifted, with prominent Democrats who once condemned Cuomo now taking more measured stances. Governor Kathy Hochul, while standing by her previous characterization of Cuomo’s alleged behavior as “repulsive and unlawful,” acknowledged the need to “deal in the reality today” and expressed willingness to work with him if elected.
Similarly, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand offered a nuanced perspective on NY1, acknowledging Cuomo’s mistakes while highlighting his accomplishments as governor. Other influential Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have remained notably silent or noncommittal about the former governor’s candidacy.
Cuomo’s campaign has gained momentum amid the current mayor Eric Adams’ legal troubles and a field of relatively unknown candidates. Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s spokesperson, emphasized that multiple prosecutors had reviewed the harassment allegations without pursuing cases, stating, “Three years, five district attorney reviews that resulted in zero cases and civil cases that were either dropped or are dying on the vine.”
The accusations against Cuomo were extensive, involving 11 women and ranging from unwanted kisses to inappropriate comments and, in one case, alleged groping. While Cuomo admitted to potentially offensive remarks, he consistently denied any inappropriate physical contact and characterized the investigation as politically motivated.
Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher suggests Cuomo’s candidacy resonates due to the city’s current challenges: “New York is in such a state of chaos and the government needs someone to come in and take charge and run the show. He is well-matched for that moment.”
Andrew Cuomo running for mayor just reinforces the appetite for open and unapologetic corruption.
Guy shouldn’t be anywhere near public service considering his past.
But it is 2025 and people have seemingly gone dumb in this bizarro timeline.. pic.twitter.com/fMPqPuGkJu
— Charli Huxley (@ImKnotTheOne) March 1, 2025
However, Boylan remains steadfast in her opposition, recently protesting outside a Cuomo fundraiser. “His path to victory is to destroy the women he abused,” she stated, vowing to prevent his return to power. She attributed the lack of stronger Democratic opposition to fear, noting, “The most powerful people in New York politics are afraid of him.”
Some experts, like Ohio State University professor emeritus Leigh Gilmore, author of “The #MeToo Effect: What Happens When We Believe Women,” suggest that the political climate has evolved, particularly in the wake of the Trump presidency, making previously disqualifying allegations less politically damaging.
Despite the controversy, Cuomo has secured some female political support, including an endorsement from City Council Member Kamillah Hanks, who praised him as a “strong, unapologetic” leader suited for “unprecedented times.”
