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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amidst a sexual harassment controversy, is reportedly poised to announce his candidacy for the mayoralty of New York City, according to multiple sources familiar with his plans.
Cuomo is in the advanced stages of forming his campaign, with a formal announcement anticipated as early as this weekend.
Following his exit from office, Cuomo has maintained a relatively low profile but has been actively reconnecting with political allies. He is reportedly in discussions with legislators, engaging with labor leaders, and assembling a team of experienced strategists who have previously collaborated with him.
Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s long-standing spokesperson, opted not to comment on the developments.
Cuomo is also consulting family members regarding his decision to run. Reports indicate that he met with his three daughters in the city recently to discuss his potential candidacy.
However, insiders caution that Cuomo may still reconsider his participation in the race. His history with political campaigns has included a tendency to weigh options up until the last moment.
The timeline is critical, as the period for candidates to collect signatures for the June primary ballot commenced recently. Individuals must gather at least 3,750 signatures from registered voters by early April.
Even without making a formal entry into the race, Cuomo’s presence continues to be felt among the numerous Democratic candidates competing against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. His potential candidacy adds a significant layer to the dynamic of the upcoming primary.
When asked about the prospect of Cuomo entering the race, Mayor Adams expressed indifference, stating, “This is early, this is the season. People come in, people get out…I want to focus on running the city.”
While Cuomo has been largely quiet regarding Adams’ challenges, the mayor’s escalating issues may have led Cuomo to believe he has a genuine opportunity to reclaim City Hall, according to sources familiar with his sentiment.
Both Cuomo and Adams appeal to a similar demographic of voters, particularly union members, Black citizens, and moderate Democrats who prioritize public safety.
Although Cuomo has yet to launch his campaign officially, he has already garnered some endorsements, including former rival Carl McCall, who previously ran against him in the 2002 gubernatorial primary.
Additionally, the New York City District Council of Carpenters is expected to endorse Cuomo shortly, as confirmed by two sources associated with the union. Congressman Ritchie Torres has also expressed his support for Cuomo’s bid.
Both political figures are recognized as moderate Democrats, navigating the overlapping concerns within their respective constituencies.
Recently, Mayor Adams has faced intense scrutiny, particularly as many officials called for his resignation following a Department of Justice memo that suggested federal prosecutors in Manhattan should withdraw corruption charges against him. This memo indicated the need for Adams’ cooperation with certain federal initiatives, leading to significant backlash and the resignation of key prosecutors.
Cuomo appears to be monitoring the situation closely, hinting at an intention to engage in the political discourse.
Notably, Cuomo recently posted a video on social media that resembled a campaign intervention, featuring him addressing an audience that included predominantly Black women, in a setting that suggested political aspirations.
In the video, Cuomo stated, “We’ve seen the ups and we’ve seen the downs; we know how to make this city work and ensure the safety of everyone.”
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www.yahoo.com