Back From the Political Abyss? 'Love Guv' Andrew Cuomo Makes Big Announcement About His Future Plans

AP Photo/Richard Drew

It was just around three years ago that Andrew Cuomo’s political career seemed to have died an ugly death, as he was forced to resign as governor of New York in August '21 after 11 sexual harassment accusations came to light. He was also accused of badly mismanaging the COVID pandemic in the Empire State, leading to what many critics alleged led to thousands of deaths that should not have happened.

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But now he’s back, and he announced on Saturday that he’s running to be the next mayor of New York City—news that is certainly not going to bring a smile to incumbent Eric Adams' face.

The 67-year-old Democrat, once known as the “Luv Guv” for his feel-good COVID briefings, posted a 17-minute video explaining why he believes he’s the man for the job:

Although the Cuomo name lost a lot of its luster following the scandals—which intertwined with those of his then-CNN anchor brother, Chris, who lost his lucrative, high-profile job—he nevertheless represents a tough foe for Mayor Adams, who’s been embroiled in controversies of his own:

With near-universal name recognition, deep-pocketed supporters and a decade as governor, Mr. Cuomo is expected to quickly assume front-runner status for the June Democratic primary, albeit with hefty baggage.

In a 17-minute video announcing his run, Mr. Cuomo, 67, attempted to reintroduce himself to New Yorkers on his preferred terms: as a tested manager, law-and-order moderate and forceful leader who is ready to fight “the crime problem,” his party’s left flank and President Trump.

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Cuomo sees Adams’ troubles as his opening and is moving to capitalize:

Cuomo enters the crowded race widely considered the front runner after a monthslong shadow campaign, in which he coyly avoided officially announcing his political comeback while ruthlessly capitalizing behind-the-scenes on Adams’ scandal-plagued first term.

“The city just feels threatening, out of control,” Cuomo said in his 17-minute, 30-second long announcement video posted on YouTube.

“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.”

Cuomo’s backroom maneuvering quietly amassed key support and siphoned off many of Adams’ prominent backers, even before the three-term governor jumped into the race.

Meanwhile, Adams has been tight-lipped:

The mayor dodged questions about Cuomo’s candidacy Saturday while leaving an unrelated event in Lower Manhattan, telling the Post “Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!…Democracy!” before hopping in a black SUV with his NYPD police detail.

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Could Cuomo prevail? Stranger things have happened—who could say with confidence after January 2021 that Donald Trump would make one of the greatest political comebacks in history and return to the Oval Office? Even sex-obsessed former NY Rep. Anthony Weiner is attempting a resurrection and is currently running for City Council in the Big Apple. Good luck with that, Mr. Weiner.

As someone who has lived in "The City," as we call it, I’ve seen enough of Andrew Cuomo. The last thing we need is him running things at City Hall.

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