Cuomo takes center stage in race for NYC mayor
NEW YORK (PIX11) — The race for New York City mayor is now officially revolving around former Gov. Andrew Cuomo following his declaration over the weekend.
Mayor Eric Adams said it is up to the voters to pass judgment on the twin nursing home and sexual harassment scandals that preceded Cuomo's resignation four years ago. However, others in the Democratic primary had much sharper criticisms.
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'It is the hard-working money that we make day in and day out, that comes out of our hard-earned paychecks, that is going to continue to retaliate against women who did nothing more than speak about their experiences,' said Erica Vladimer, of the Sexual Harassment Working Group.
Vladimer stood Monday with Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate. Together they are demanding Cuomo return $28 million he has used to defend himself from the sexual misconduct allegations.
'Using that money to subpoena their OB/GYN records, their therapy records and people who are not in any way involved in these cases,' Lander said.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
A spokesman for the Cuomo campaign said Lander does not know what he's talking about — and that a 'good portion' of the $28 million was used for defense of the COVID-19 response against federal scrutiny. Cuomo maintains the nursing home probe was politically motivated by the first Trump administration and points to a Department of Justice inspector general report backing up that assertion.
For his part, Adams said neither the sexual harassment scandal nor questions about Cuomo's handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic disqualify him from running for mayor.
'I met with some of the nursing home family members and advocates. There are some things that we want to do with them, but he has to answer that question on the trail,' Adams said.
Adams feels what may be more concerning for voters is Cuomo and other candidates are trying to repackage his ideas.
'Get an original idea,' Adams chided ticking off lower crime stats, economic reports and housing numbers. 'Don't run on what Eric ran on and accomplished.'
Cuomo did not have public campaign events Monday, but he did roll out a few more endorsements, including Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs and U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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