Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid scandals in 2021, has re-emerged on the political scene as he aims to become New York City’s next mayor − a position currently held by fellow Democrat Eric Adams.

“Our city is in crisis. That’s why I am running to be Mayor of New York City,” the former governor said in a post on his X account. “We need government to work. We need effective leadership.” Cuomo also announced his candidacy in a 17-minute video focusing on his success as governor legalizing same-sex marriage, rebuilding LaGuardia Airport and leading the state through the COVID-19 crisis.

“New Yorkers know the simple answer of what to do when there is a crisis in leadership. You lead, you act, you do,” Cuomo said in the video. “I had the honor to serve the public in every level of government…I know government can make a positive difference because we did.” Cuomo resigned from office in August 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, which he denies. Current Gov. Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat who had been Cuomo’s lieutenant, inherited the job and was reelected the following year.

The Justice Department found that the former governor subjected at least 13 women to a “sexually hostile work environment” while in office, the Department announced in January 2024. The Department revealed its findings as part of an agreement to resolve its claims that Cuomo’s office “engaged in a pattern or practice of sexual harassment and retaliation” in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agreement acknowledged changes Hochul had made or had agreed to make in the office. Cuomo’s attorney Rita Glavin said in a statement at the time that it was a “political settlement without an investigation.”

“Governor Cuomo did not sexually harass anyone,” Glavin said. “The DOJ ‘investigation’ was based entirely on the NYS Attorney General’s deeply flawed, inaccurate, biased, and misleading report. At no point did DOJ even contact Governor Cuomo concerning these matters.”