Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is eyeing a political comeback, seeing an opening in the struggles of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Though Adams has insisted he will not resign, mounting pressure after his five-count indictment for corruption is likely to end his future aspirations. Two people familiar with the matter told Axios that Cuomo was planning a comeback even before the indictment, but now he looks set to capitalize on it.
Despite this, he publicly maintains that he has no plans, using the same line for the past three months.
A Cuomo representative told the outlet that he has “no plans to make plans,” echoing comments he made months ago on Real Time With Bill Maher when asked if he had plans to run for governor or mayor.
Adams and Cuomo are friends. An earlier report in July from the New York Post suggested that the former governor would not run for mayor if Adams did.
Cuomo has been testing the waters of a return since he resigned as governor in 2021 over sexual assault allegations, which he denies. He filed a lawsuit against state Attorney General Letitia James, alleging she mishandled the investigation into the claims.
In July, Cuomo’s campaign committee paid a pollster about $67,700 for “polling costs,” according to state financial disclosures reviewed by the Washington Examiner. He had previously paid the pollster $93,200 in May 2022.
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Polls show that Cuomo has a decent shot at the mayorship — a December 2023 poll found that 24% of voters preferred Cuomo, the top choice, followed by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams at 14%. In a runoff, Cuomo would defeat Williams 64% to 36%, per the survey.
The 57-page indictment was unveiled against Adams on Thursday. It alleges a 10-year pattern of corruption. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 45 years in prison.