Former NY Gov. Cuomo mulling run for NYC mayor: report

Former New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is reportedly exploring a run to become New York City's mayor as incumbent Democrat Eric Adams suffers faltering poll numbers amid an influx in illegal arrivals and a federal probe into his campaign finances.

Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, having served in office since early 2011. Amid Adams' woes, Cuomo has begun exploring a bid, Politico reported, citing "eight people who have talked to him or his inner circle."

"My opinion is if he runs, he will win," said Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., a former NYC Councilman who spoke to Cuomo last week. "I got the impression that he is ready."

Former New York Democratic Committee Executive Director Basil Smikle, a Cuomo backer, suggested that the FBI probe of Adams and mounting crime and quality of life concerns could render Adams more vulnerable.

"I think that could happen if the mayor’s legal problems or the quality of life and crime issues that a lot of people are concerned about worsen," he told the outlet.

Adams has seen his popularity fall precipitously since taking office, with a recent Marist College survey showing him with a 37% approval rating. In March 2022, by contrast, Adams stood at 61% approval.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that the FBI had seized Adams' phones as part of its investigation into whether his campaign had worked with the Turkish government to secure illegal foreign financial support. Adams has not been personally accused of wrongdoing.

Compounding his poor image with voters, moreover, was a recent decision to slash the budget for police and city services, for which he partially blamed the influx of illegal immigrants, more than 110,000 of whom have arrived in the Big Apple over the past year.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.