Andrew Cuomo’s Mayor Campaign: Empty Promises and Past Failures

One of the most disappointing aspects of Andrew Cuomo’s bid for mayor is his pledges to improve the city—promises that he either failed to deliver or actively undermined during his tenure as governor.

Cuoмo recently proposed initiatives like eliminating bus and subway fares for low-income residents, despite his administration’s poor management of the MTA, which contributed to the chaotic summer of 2017.

His tenure saw the misuse of public funds, including a $5 million bailout of upstate ski resorts and over $100 million on decorative lighting and renovations of city bridges and tunnels. He pushed through congestion-pricing tolls legislation and oversaw flawed projects such as the costly redesign of Penn Station and mismanaged airport upgrades.

As governor, Cuomo offered little to address the city’s affordability or infrastructure issues, mainly opposing ideas from Mayor Bill de Blasio out of personal pique. His focus was often on blocking solutions rather than creating them.

Cuomo also signed into law controversial criminal justice reforms like Raise the Age and no-bail policies, which contributed to an increase in urban crime starting in 2020. He publicly supported “defund the police” movements and appointed parole board members who released individuals accused of serious crimes, including those involved in violence against officers.

While he previously stood up for charters and challenged union excesses, Cuomo has since shifted his stance, aligning more with traditional Democratic positions as he runs for mayor.

The Irony of His Political Comeback

It’s ironic that Cuomo now presents himself as the city’s savior against rising progressive voices like Zohran Mamdani. During his time as governor, he claimed to oppose radical policies—only to capitulate once political pressure increased. His entrance into the mayoral race boosted Mamdani’s profile and polarized voters, while Cuomo’s own campaign appears driven more by personal pride than genuine concern for New York City’s future.

Ultimately, Cuomo’s history indicates he has historically prioritized his own interests, making his current promises to revitalize the city seem both hollow and self-serving.