Andrew Cuomo Denies Supporting No-Bail Law, Claims Faked Signature

Andrew Cuomo insists he was never associated with the no-bail law, claiming someone forged his signature and that he never supported it. He asserts that ending the “injustice” of cashless bail was the work of others, not himself.

However, Cuomo’s recent rhetoric appears contradictory. He now positions himself as a pro-public safety candidate while dismissing the law he once championed. Last week, he claimed, “We don’t have cashless bail” in New York, despite ample evidence to the contrary.

The reality hits closer to home, exemplified by incidents like that of 94-year-old Audrey Hawkins. She was assaulted in June while waiting for her train—just months after her attacker was released without bail after a previous child assault arrest, due to bail restrictions.

Cuomo also claims that the state Legislature distorted his intentions, alleging that he wanted more judicial discretion in the bail process, but lawmakers overruled him. Critics dismiss this as “balderdash,” pointing out his long-standing advocacy for ending cash bail.

Cuomo’s Past Support for Bail Reform

In his 2019 “Justice Agenda,” Cuomo explicitly called to “end the injustice” of cash bail, arguing for its complete abolition. That same year, he stated, “If you can’t make the bail, you sit in jail; if you can, you get out. That’s not justice.” Clearly, he strongly backed the reform then, likely driven by political calculations, including ambitions for a presidential run.

Now, Cuomo faces questions about honesty and consistency. Critics argue he’s attempting to rewrite history to present himself as a responsible alternative to opponents like Zohran Mamdani, who is even more supportive of progressive reforms.

While Cuomo’s political maneuvers seem aimed at personal gain—whether securing support from the left or gaining influence—the shift in his stance suggests he no longer genuinely advocates for public safety. His past support for bail reform, driven by political ambition, clashes with his current positioning.