Andrew Cuomo’s Bid for NYC Mayor: Can New Yorkers Trust the Leader Who Sent COVID Into Nursing Homes Killing 1000’s?

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially entered the race for mayor of New York City, positioning himself as a leader who can rescue a city in turmoil. However, his past scandals loom large, and his return to politics appears less about serving New Yorkers and more about repairing his damaged reputation. With incumbent Mayor Eric Adams making steady progress in addressing the city’s challenges, Cuomo’s entrance into the race raises questions about whether this is a genuine bid to lead or merely an attempt at political rehabilitation.

Cuomo’s Disgraced Exit: What Really Forced Him Out?

While Cuomo stepped down in 2021 following multiple allegations of sexual harassment, his handling of the COVID-19 crisis—particularly his policies concerning nursing homes—remains a far greater stain on his record.

In March 2020, Cuomo’s administration ordered nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, leading to widespread infections among vulnerable residents. As a result, thousands died unnecessarily. Reports later revealed that his administration deliberately manipulated the numbers, underreporting the true death toll by over 15,000. His staff actively removed critical data from a state report, sparking backlash from health officials—some of whom resigned in protest, while others feared professional retaliation.

Under mounting pressure, Cuomo later acknowledged withholding data, citing concerns that the Trump administration would use the figures against him. Yet, at the same time, he was negotiating a $5 million book deal, glorifying his supposed success in managing the pandemic. “The central role played by the governor’s top aides reflected the lengths to which Mr. Cuomo has gone in the middle of a deadly pandemic to control data, brush aside public health expertise, and bolster his position as a national leader in the fight against the coronavirus,” reported The New York Times.

Despite overwhelming evidence of deception and mismanagement, Cuomo has consistently avoided taking full accountability. Now, as he seeks the mayoralty, the question remains: can New Yorkers trust a leader who prioritized his image over transparency and public safety?

A Political Showdown: Cuomo Challenges Adams

The Democratic primary for New York City mayor is set to be a heated contest, with Cuomo attempting to unseat a sitting mayor who, despite facing political attacks, has made strides in tackling crime and economic recovery.

Under Eric Adams’ leadership, crime rates have begun to stabilize, the economy is rebounding, and key infrastructure projects are underway. However, Adams has been the target of relentless scrutiny from within his own party. He was accused of accepting illegal campaign donations from Turkey—allegations he has strongly denied. The Justice Department, now operating under President Trump, recently moved to dismiss the charges, though a federal judge has postponed a final ruling to allow further examination.

Many see the Democratic establishment’s hostility toward Adams as politically motivated, rather than based on his performance. Despite his tangible achievements, Adams’ critics—many from his own party—have been eager to undermine him. Cuomo’s decision to enter the race seems to be a calculated move to exploit this internal discord, presenting himself as an alternative while deflecting attention from his own troubled past.

Cuomo’s Image Makeover: A Campaign of Convenience

Cuomo’s campaign messaging frames him as a pragmatic leader capable of bringing stability to the city. In his announcement video, he acknowledged past mistakes but emphasized that he had learned from them. “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 that every day.” Yet, his return appears less about redemption and more about salvaging his legacy.

By entering the race now, Cuomo is betting that the passage of time has softened public perception of his past controversies. However, his record tells a different story—one of heavy-handed leadership, media manipulation, and policies that had disastrous consequences. His administration’s handling of the MTA left the city’s subway system struggling, and his political feuds often resulted in gridlock rather than solutions.

Cuomo’s critics argue that his campaign is nothing more than an attempt to regain relevance, rather than a genuine effort to improve New York. “I know what needs to be done and I know how to do it,” Cuomo declared in his campaign launch. But many New Yorkers remember his tenure as governor as one marked by scandals, coercion, and mismanagement. The question remains: is he really the leader New York needs, or just a politician looking for a second act?

The Verdict: New Yorkers Should Look Forward, Not Backward

The upcoming election presents New York City with a critical choice. On one side is Eric Adams, a mayor who, despite political opposition, has made meaningful strides in tackling the city’s most pressing issues. On the other side is Andrew Cuomo, a former governor whose COVID-era policies cost thousands of lives, whose administration covered up critical data, and who resigned in disgrace following multiple allegations of misconduct.

Cuomo’s mayoral bid is not about serving New Yorkers—it is about rewriting history. The same man who manipulated pandemic data, intimidated opponents, and abused his authority is now asking voters for another chance. Before they consider granting it, they should remember the full extent of his failures and the damage he left in his wake.

New York needs forward-thinking leadership, not a return to the past. The city deserves a mayor focused on solutions and accountability—not one who sees City Hall as a means of personal redemption.