Andrew Cuomo spends $68,000 on polling as he considers NYC mayoral run: report

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo paid a polling firm nearly $68,000 earlier this year to gauge his popularity as he contemplates a run for New York City mayor.

Cuomo resigned from the governorship in August 2021 amid allegations of sexual misconduct brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James on behalf of women who he had allegedly touched innappropriately. The charges were dropped once he resigned and his Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul was installed in Albany.

Cuomo, who denied the allegations fully, has been actively working to rebuild his public image. Since stepping down, he has launched a podcast, founded a pro-Israel group that has run ads critical of pro-Hamas protesters, and made appearances with civic organizations and at churches.

Cuomo has been focusing on boosting support among Black and Jewish communities in New York City, according to the New York Post. Reverend Ruben Diaz, a former councilman and state senator, has speculated that Cuomo is preparing to run for mayor. Diaz mentioned, “I think he’s running for mayor. I just have that feeling,” after Cuomo spoke to his group of Bronx Hispanic ministers.

A source close to Cuomo confirmed to the New York Post that the former governor is seriously considering entering the mayoral race, even if it means challenging incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. Adams has been facing poor approval ratings among residents as the city continues to grapple with violent crime and an overwhelming number of illegal immigrants.

“He’s looking at it very seriously,” the source said. “He wants back in public life. He thinks the city is in trouble and he thinks can fix it.” 

Cuomo addressed speculation about his political future during an appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher" last month. When Maher immediately asked about a potential mayoral run or another bid for governor at the start of the segment, Cuomo responded with a laugh, “There will be no direct answer, I just want you to know.”