NEW YORK — On Saturday, Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, officially announced his run for mayor of New York City, signaling a bold move to rejuvenate his political career after a lengthy period of political isolation stemming from numerous sexual harassment allegations.

In a 17-minute video outlining his campaign, Cuomo presented himself as a pragmatic moderate, ready to restore a sense of safety and order to a city he described as “chaotic.” He highlighted his experience working with Republican President Donald Trump, stressing his readiness to collaborate but also to stand firm when necessary.

“I won’t pretend this will be easy. It’s going to be challenging, but I genuinely believe we can turn this city around, and that’s why I’m declaring my candidacy for mayor of New York City today,” he declared.

Despite the controversies that led to his resignation in 2021, the Democrat is poised to mount a formidable campaign.

Cuomo will face a lineup of primary challengers who have limited recognition, along with the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, who is currently grappling with federal corruption indictments and criticism regarding his connections to Trump.

Armed with a strong fundraising ability, a notable track record from his three terms as governor, and potential support from moderate voters who may have previously backed Adams, Cuomo enters the race with several advantages.

However, it remains unclear if voters are willing to give Cuomo another chance after his dramatic fall from grace 3 1/2 years ago, when he transitioned from a praised leader during the COVID-19 crisis to facing intense scrutiny over his treatment of women and concerns about his pandemic response.

In his campaign video, Cuomo acknowledged past “mistakes” but did not specifically address the harassment allegations.

“Did I handle everything perfectly in my public service? Absolutely not,” he reflected. “Would I approach some situations differently now? Certainly. Did I make mistakes, some of which were quite painful? Definitely. I believe I’ve learned from those experiences, and I aim to show that growth every day.”

After Cuomo’s announcement, Mayor Adams welcomed all candidates to the race, acknowledging the competition. He remarked, “Let everyone come forward with their ideas. I have a solid record to run on and look forward to the campaign.”

Seeking Redemption Amid Controversy

Cuomo has been contemplating a return to politics for some time, with his legal team and advisors working to challenge the credibility of his accusers.

At least 11 women have made credible accusations against him for sexual harassment, detailing instances of unwanted physical contact and inappropriate remarks regarding their appearances and personal lives, as documented in a report by New York’s attorney general. One former aide even filed a criminal complaint claiming that Cuomo groped her in the governor’s mansion in late 2020.

Cuomo has denied the sexual assault allegations, which were ultimately dropped by a prosecutor due to insufficient evidence for a conviction.

Regarding other accusations, Cuomo argued that he never intended to mistreat anyone and merely fell behind changing standards of appropriate workplace conduct.

The state has incurred millions of dollars in legal costs defending both him and his close aides against various lawsuits stemming from these allegations.

A Competitive Landscape

The race for mayor already features multiple candidates aiming to unseat Adams in the upcoming June Democratic primary.

Among the contenders are city Comptroller Brad Lander, state Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who was once a frontrunner in the last mayoral election until facing allegations of unwanted sexual advances two decades ago.

In reaction to Cuomo’s announcement, Ramos labeled him a “corrupt bully,” suggesting that he complicates the race.

Myrie asserted that New Yorkers shouldn’t have to endure “the Andrew Cuomo saga,” emphasizing, “We deserve leaders who prioritize the needs of New Yorkers over their own ambitions.”

A Vulnerable Incumbent

Mayor Adams is also seeking reelection but faces significant challenges due to federal criminal charges against him. The U.S. Justice Department has attempted to drop the case, despite opposition from the prosecution.

The indictments allege that Adams accepted illicit travel benefits and campaign contributions from individuals seeking to influence him, including foreign nationals. Following Trump’s inauguration, a senior Justice Department official ordered that the charges be dismissed so Adams could focus on supporting the president’s immigration initiatives, although there remains a possibility that the case could resurface after the election.

Critics have suggested that this situation indicates Adams may have agreed to assist with Trump’s immigration policies in exchange for legal protection.

Adams has firmly denied any such agreement while facing increasing calls for his resignation, which could lead to his ousting by Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat. Some of his senior staff have already announced their intention to resign in protest.

The Rise and Fall of a Political Figure

Cuomo’s political journey began with his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, and included roles as U.S. housing secretary under President Bill Clinton and New York attorney general, culminating in his governorship starting in 2010.

His prominence peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, with daily press briefings that showcased clear communication about the virus, earning him national acclaim and solidifying his reputation as a steady leader. His briefings even earned him an international Emmy award and led to a lucrative book deal worth over $5 million for his publication “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

However, as allegations of misconduct emerged in late 2020 and early 2021, Cuomo faced potential impeachment before ultimately resigning. A state ethics board sought to compel him to return the proceeds from his book deal after it was revealed that he had used state resources for its production.

Controversies in COVID-19 Management

Cuomo’s reputation further suffered due to allegations that a directive from his administration inadvertently contributed to a rise in COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes by initially requiring them to accept patients who had tested positive for the virus after being discharged from hospitals.

While Cuomo defended his actions against what he deemed unfounded criticism, investigations revealed that his administration had grossly underreported nursing home fatalities in an attempt to shift blame away from his leadership.

Although Cuomo possesses a significant campaign war chest that could aid in his mayoral bid, transferring funds from his state campaign to a city committee would require navigating a complex process that involves approval from each donor, presenting a considerable logistical hurdle.