Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, was once seen as a political giant in the Democratic Party. His leadership during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his daily briefings that were seen as a calming and informative presence during a time of crisis. However, by 2021, Cuomo’s political career unraveled in the face of multiple scandals, including a cover-up of nursing home deaths, allegations of sexual harassment, and the actions of his closest confidante, Melissa DeRosa. Now, with his resignation behind him, Cuomo has announced that he is running for mayor of New York City. But can he make a political comeback after such significant controversies?
Nursing Home Deaths: The Cover-Up
One of the most significant scandals to mar Andrew Cuomo’s final years in office was his administration’s handling of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, Cuomo issued a controversial directive requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. This decision quickly became a point of contention, as it contributed to the rapid spread of the virus in facilities that housed vulnerable, elderly populations.
However, the scandal deepened when it was revealed that the Cuomo administration had underreported the number of nursing home deaths. According to a report from the New York Attorney General, the state’s official numbers were significantly lower than the actual death toll. It was found that the state had underreported the number of deaths by as much as 50%. The cover-up allegations led to investigations by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office, with critics accusing Cuomo of trying to protect his public image at the cost of transparency.
As the controversy grew, the New York Post and Politico covered the fallout, including Cuomo’s attempts to downplay the issue. In early 2021, Cuomo and his top aides were accused of altering public health data to make it appear that New York’s nursing homes had fared better than they actually had. This crisis not only damaged Cuomo’s reputation but also led to calls for his resignation from both Republicans and Democrats (Politico).
Sexual Harassment Allegations: A Pattern of Misconduct
While the nursing home scandal was still unfolding, Andrew Cuomo found himself embroiled in a separate, equally damaging controversy: multiple allegations of sexual harassment. In February 2021, former aides to Cuomo began to accuse him of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted advances, groping, and creating a hostile work environment. The accusations came from women who had worked in his administration, including Charlotte Bennett and Karen Hinton.
The most prominent accuser was Lindsey Boylan, a former deputy secretary for economic development, who accused Cuomo of making unwanted sexual advances and suggesting that she play strip poker during a work trip. The allegations quickly gained traction, with more women coming forward, leading to an independent investigation launched by the New York Attorney General in March 2021. The investigation, which concluded in August 2021, found that Cuomo had indeed sexually harassed multiple women, creating a toxic work environment.
The fallout from the sexual harassment accusations was swift and severe. Leading political figures, including many Democrats, called for Cuomo’s resignation. The Associated Press reported that Cuomo’s refusal to step down and his denials of the allegations only exacerbated the situation (Associated Press). Facing increasing pressure, Cuomo eventually resigned on August 10, 2021. His resignation marked the end of a political career that had spanned three terms as governor and decades of public service.
Melissa DeRosa: Cuomo’s Close Ally and Controversial Figure
One of the key figures involved in both the nursing home scandal and the sexual harassment allegations was Melissa DeRosa, Cuomo’s right-hand woman. DeRosa served as the governor’s secretary and was considered one of his most trusted aides. She played a pivotal role in the governor’s daily operations and was instrumental in managing the administration’s response to the pandemic.
However, DeRosa became embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that she had been part of internal discussions about how to handle the fallout from the nursing home deaths. According to reports from Politico and City & State, DeRosa and other aides were accused of attempting to suppress data about the nursing home death toll to protect Cuomo’s image. (Politico)
DeRosa’s involvement in the sexual harassment investigation was also notable. The New York Attorney General’s report indicated that DeRosa played a role in facilitating an environment that allowed Cuomo’s behavior to go unchecked. Her close association with Cuomo meant that when he resigned, she too faced intense scrutiny. DeRosa ultimately resigned on August 24, 2021, further signaling the collapse of Cuomo’s political circle (City & State).
Cuomo Announces Run for Mayor of New York City
Despite the scandals that led to his resignation, Andrew Cuomo has decided to run for mayor of New York City in the upcoming election. After a period of speculation, Cuomo made it clear that he intended to make a comeback in New York politics. His campaign announcement was met with mixed reactions — some saw it as an opportunity for redemption, while others viewed it as an attempt to revive a career that had been tarnished by scandal.
Cuomo’s decision to run for mayor is seen by some as a way for him to rebuild his reputation and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with in New York politics. Supporters believe his long history in public service, combined with his ability to make bold decisions, could position him as a strong candidate. However, his past controversies — from the nursing home scandal to the sexual harassment allegations — will likely be central issues in the campaign, as many voters remain skeptical of his leadership.
The mayoral race is expected to be competitive, with several high-profile candidates already in the mix. Whether Cuomo can overcome the public perception issues that led to his resignation and garner enough support to win the race is yet to be seen. His ability to navigate the challenges of a crowded mayoral field, alongside his personal baggage, will be a key factor in his path forward (CBS6 Albany).
The Legacy of Andrew Cuomo
Andrew Cuomo’s legacy is one of profound contradictions. On one hand, he was hailed as a strong leader during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing command in a time of unprecedented crisis. On the other hand, his time in office will be forever tarnished by his administration’s mismanagement of nursing home deaths and the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation.
Now, as Cuomo embarks on his run for mayor of New York City, he faces a difficult road ahead. Can he redeem himself and reclaim his political career? Or will the scandals that led to his resignation continue to define him in the eyes of voters? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the path to political redemption will be a challenging one.
