New York City’s Crossroads Election

Illustration by Will Allen/Europinion

New York City, the most populous city in the US and the seventh most populous in the world, is becoming the centrepiece of the potential resurgence of a controversial politician who lost all influence and power four years ago. This is former Democratic Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo (2011-2021). Cuomo resigned from that position in 2021 (under pressure from his party and then-President Joe Biden) following revelations of several accusations of sexual harassment perpetrated by him over the years, which he himself tried to silence and blocked investigation of. Now, this politician turned pariah intends to seek the office of mayor of New York City this year. Cuomo, who comes from a political dynasty relegated to oblivion and tainted by his actions, seems determined to return to the political scene, and the most shocking thing is that, like the current US president, despite his scandals, he has a high probability of achieving his goal. American politics seems to be twisting in a rather aberrant way. I dare to compare it metaphorically to a snake that devours itself and still doesn't die.

The outlook for New York City's next mayoral election looks pretty bleak so far, with its democratic primaries taking place in June. These are conducted through ranked-choice voting, and Cuomo seems to be the strongest contender. 

The current Democratic mayor, Eric Adams (2021 - present), who is also quite unpopular and controversial, will run for reelection as an independent. Adams was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy. Adams is the first NYC mayor to be charged with crimes while in office. New York City seems caught between two very bad options and set to become a stellar example of the decadence of the American political class, coming from both the establishment and the old guard. New Yorkers deserve better than this.

Andrew Cuomo's possible return to the political arena would leave Democrats with a sour taste in their mouths and increase the pressure for a generational change starting next year's midterm elections in many offices across the country. Cuomo, despite bearing the great stain of sexual harassment allegations against him, has a high probability of winning the moderate vote in both the primaries and the general election. Should he become mayor, it is clear that relations between that office and that of the current NY Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul (2021-present), would be quite uncomfortable even though she said she could work with him. Cuomo, who was once a New York titan like his father and who (pre-scandals) seemed a fairly presidential option for Democrats in a future that never was and never will be, evidences the American political elite’s resilience. This again raises the question: how long until the torch of leadership is truly passed to the next generation?

The position of mayor of New York City is undoubtedly one of the most powerful in the country, considering that it governs upwards of 20 million residents. The famed city seems to be at risk of being unable to fully renew itself due to the heavy shadow cast by its most odious choice of politicians.

Even with his tarnished image, the former governor could become a powerful mayor if he takes office, which is no end worrying. Cuomo's influence in the halls of power in New York could reach new heights, particularly given the unwinding of the rule of law and legal accountability for politicians, affording him great control over any future investigations against him—sound familiar? Likewise, if his ambition is as great as it was in the past, Cuomo could extend the mayoral reelection terms, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg (2002-2013) did in his time, potentially serving more than two terms if he chooses to.

This political comeback is shocking. Emerging from the political graveyard, trailing major scandals, and retaking power is an act that, unfortunately, has recently proven successful (for the office of president). This undoubtedly sets a terrible precedent for American democracy. The most terrifying thing is that, like in a horror movie, the most sinister and unexpected events can become reality. In the coming months, we will see whether the former governor solidifies his position in the primaries and then moves on to the general election this fall. Whether this actually happens or not rests in the hands of the citizens of New York City.