Andrew Cuomo’s potential return to political power as a New York City mayoral candidate has reignited controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations. Lindsey Boylan finds herself at odds with Democratic leaders who remain silent about his candidacy despite previously condemning his behavior. Does Cuomo’s potential political comeback signal a weakening of the #MeToo movement in politics?
Cuomo’s Controversial Comeback Bid
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged as a serious contender in the New York City mayoral race despite resigning in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations. A state attorney general report concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, including former aide Lindsey Boylan, who was the first to publicly accuse him of inappropriate behavior.
Cuomo’s political resilience comes partially from his efforts to discredit his accusers and highlight his record as governor during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His spokesperson maintains that multiple investigations found no grounds for prosecution, framing the lack of criminal charges as vindication despite the damning attorney general report.
Lindsey Boylan helped drive Andrew Cuomo from office in 2021 when the former aide came forward as the first woman to accuse the governor of sexual harassment. https://t.co/ztPrdiQoz5
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) March 6, 2025
Democratic Leaders’ Silence Raises Questions
When allegations against Cuomo first surfaced, prominent Democrats, including President Biden and New York’s congressional delegation, swiftly condemned his actions and called for his resignation. Now, as Cuomo seeks the mayoralty of America’s largest city, many of these same Democrats have notably refrained from publicly opposing his candidacy.
Current New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who replaced Cuomo, has not taken a strong position against his potential return to political office. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand acknowledged Cuomo’s past mistakes but ultimately suggested his political future should be left to voters, a stark contrast to her previous forceful stance.
BREAKING: Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid numerous sexual harassment allegations in 2021, is running for New York City mayor.
Read more: https://t.co/m9ZxMdixXz pic.twitter.com/sChirUii9s
— ABC News (@ABC) March 1, 2025
Boylan’s Fight for Accountability Continues
Lindsey Boylan has expressed feelings of betrayal over Democratic leaders’ reluctance to oppose Cuomo’s candidacy, viewing their silence as a failure to protect women’s rights. She continues to speak out against Cuomo alongside other accusers, emphasizing the importance of holding powerful figures accountable regardless of party affiliation.
The current political climate, including incumbent Mayor Eric Adams’s legal troubles, may inadvertently favor Cuomo’s candidacy by creating a void in leadership that his experience could fill. This reality underscores the complex interplay between personal misconduct allegations and voters’ desire for effective governance, particularly in challenging times.
Cuomo has consistently denied inappropriate touching while offering limited apologies for “offending” women, maintaining that the investigation against him was politically motivated. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, he has received political endorsements from various figures, including some women in politics, suggesting that his political rehabilitation strategy may be gaining traction.