Candidate to Watch (But Not Vote For): Andrew Cuomo

One name generating controversy and concern in this upcoming election is Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, now eyeing a political comeback.

Here’s why we believe Cuomo should not be on your ranked-choice list this election cycle.

Who Is Andrew Cuomo?

Andrew Cuomo served as Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021, leading during major moments like Hurricane Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implementation of several statewide policy reforms. However, his tenure ended in resignation following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, a toxic workplace culture, and bipartisan criticism of how he handled the COVID-19 crisis—particularly in nursing homes.

While Cuomo was once seen as a strong Democratic leader, his legacy is now deeply marred by controversy, ethical concerns, and a lack of transparency.

A Mixed Policy Record

Cuomo championed several progressive-sounding policies during his time in office, including:

• Raising the minimum wage to $15/hour

• Passing stricter gun control laws

• Launching climate-focused infrastructure projects

However, critics argue that many of these initiatives were underfunded, inconsistently enforced, or politically motivated. Opponents also point to a top-down leadership style that alienated local officials and community leaders.

Endorsements (and the Ones He Lost)

Throughout his career, Cuomo received backing from major labor unions, corporate donors, and Democratic insiders. But since his resignation, many former allies have distanced themselves, and new endorsements have been noticeably sparse. His return to the political scene has been met with skepticism, not enthusiasm, by much of the public and political establishment.

Follow the Money

Cuomo’s campaign funding has largely come from:

• Political action committees (PACs)

• Corporate entities

• A mix of small and large donors

His close ties to corporate donors have raised red flags for those concerned about transparency, accountability, and public trust. Unlike grassroots-funded candidates who are backed by everyday New Yorkers, Cuomo’s donor base is more connected to big money and political insiders.

Why He’s Not the Right Choice

While experience matters, so does integrity, and Cuomo’s record leaves too many unanswered questions. From his handling of the pandemic to ethical violations and a pattern of centralized, opaque governance, his track record does not reflect the kind of leadership NYC needs right now.

Our Recommendation:

In this year’s ranked-choice election, you don’t just vote for someone—you also help shape who doesn’t win. We strongly advise keeping Andrew Cuomo off your ranked list entirely. NYC deserves leadership that’s transparent, accountable, and genuinely invested in the public good—not in personal redemption arcs.