Nearly four years ago, Andrew Cuomo resigned from his post as New York governor on account of sexual harassment allegations. Fast forward to today, and Cuomo is leading polls for the mayorship of New York City. However, it’s clear that New York needs a new face, not a familiar one that is riddled with drama and contention.
On March 1, Cuomo announced he would enter an already crowded mayoral race and quickly gained traction. Recent polls show Cuomo with 41% support, while the next closest candidate is only at 18%.
Part of his rise to the top of the polls can be attributed to his namesake and recognition as a New York politician. At the time of his resignation, Cuomo was the longest-serving governor in the country. In comparison, five other mayoral candidates registered higher than 50% in unfamiliarity.
Another reason for Cuomo’s rise in polling popularity is the dramatic downfall of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration amid serious allegations. In the polls that show Cuomo far ahead of the rest of the field, Adams is polling at an abysmal 6%.
According to the polling information, more than 80% of New Yorkers “are unwilling to support Eric Adams no matter what he says or does” from now on. Many former Adams supporters have seemingly shifted to Cuomo’s agenda.
There is still plenty of time before the primary election in June and the general election in November, but, for now, Cuomo has positioned himself far above the rest of the candidates.
However, NYC needs a new mayor — one who has not been tarnished by serious allegations and substantial lawsuits.
First and foremost, NYC needs to elect someone who will pay undivided attention to the city’s problems rather than fighting personal battles that do not pertain to their duties. The mayor’s duty is to improve the city and the well-being of its citizens. The mayor should not constantly be in the headlines for despicable things, like sexual misconduct with 13 women, wire fraud, bribery or illegal campaign funding.
Enter Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist representing New York’s 36th Assembly District. The 33-year-old candidate is running on a platform of lowering costs greatly for working-class New Yorkers and proposing initiatives like freezing stabilized rents, making all buses faster and fare-free, city-owned grocery stores and offering free child care for children under 5.
Mamdani is polling second to Cuomo with 18%. He can be the new, young and ambitious face bringing a breath of fresh air to NYC along with grand ideas for much needed change. This isn’t an endorsement for him; this is a proclamation that we need someone who is promising and not swept up in scandal after scandal.
Cuomo currently leads despite his dozen harassment allegations, but he is not the person who should run this city. NYC needs a mayor’s undivided attention, which is unlikely with Cuomo’s severe accusations.
The city must elect a mayor with a clean slate because, frankly, the city needs a clean slate.
