Overview:

Before heading to the polls, here’s a guide to Andrew Cuomo’s comeback campaign—from his policy promises to the controversies still trailing him.

Editor’s Note: The points in this article are based on Andrew Cuomo’s public statements during two recent mayoral debates. His campaign team did not respond to multiple requests for comment or an interview with The Haitian Times.

Andrew Cuomo’s return to public life has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism. A seasoned politician with a complicated legacy, he’s asking voters to believe in his ability to manage a crisis and restore order. For Haitian New Yorkers weighing their options this election, here are seven key things to know.

1. He brings decades of executive experience—and says the city needs it

Cuomo has repeatedly argued that New York City cannot afford a mayor who needs “on-the-job training.” He’s running on a resume that includes:

• 11 years as New York governor
• Former HUD Secretary under President Clinton
• Oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects like LaGuardia Airport and the Second Avenue Subway

He promises to “get things done”—on time and under budget—and says his first-year goals are bold: rent down, crime down, test scores up, and more jobs.

2. He’s facing ongoing scrutiny from past scandals

Cuomo resigned in 2021 amid multiple sexual harassment allegations, which he denies. He calls the investigation “political,” pointing out that no charges were filed. But critics highlight the $20 million in taxpayer funds spent defending his office.

He’s also facing heavy criticism for his administration’s early pandemic directive requiring nursing homes to readmit COVID-positive patients—an effort to ease hospital crowding that some say contributed to thousands of resident deaths. Cuomo argues the virus was already present in most facilities and that he followed federal guidance. Still, delayed reporting of the full death toll has left many questioning his transparency.

3. He wants to expand the NYPD

Cuomo supports adding 5,000 new officers, with 1,500 deployed to the subways immediately. His message is clear: he wants the NYPD fully staffed, fully funded, and prosecuting all crimes—including misdemeanors.

He opposes efforts to close Rikers Island by 2027, calling it “a mistake” and proposing to rebuild modern jails on the island instead of constructing new borough-based facilities.

4. He rejects rent freezes—but supports more housing

Cuomo is opposed to freezing rent for rent-stabilized apartments, calling it “a debacle” under Mayor de Blasio. Instead, he wants to:

• Build 500,000 new housing units
• Reserve rent-stabilized units for low-income residents only
• Speed up construction timelines by cutting red tape

While he’s not offering universal rent relief, Cuomo frames his housing plan as a supply-focused fix that aims to benefit tenants and owners alike.

5. He doesn’t support free public transit for all

Cuomo criticizes free buses as a “mistake” that turns public transit into “mobile homeless gathering places.” Instead, he proposes targeted fare relief only for working families who truly need it.

He also wants partial control of NYC Transit shifted from the MTA to the city to streamline costly capital projects.

6. He’s positioning himself as a check on Trump—and socialists

Cuomo claims a long history of confronting Donald Trump—such as during the COVID-19 quarantine threats—and says he’s ready to stand up to federal overreach again. However, he’s also targeting progressive Democrats like Zohran Mamdani, framing their policies as unrealistic and harmful to the city’s economy.

“You need someone who can fight Trump but also govern—not just protest,” Cuomo said during a recent debate.

7. He has a mixed record with communities of color—including Haitians

While Cuomo has historically enjoyed support from older Black and Latino voters, his relationship with immigrant communities, including Haitians, is more complex. He’s vowed to uphold sanctuary city laws, but has been less outspoken than rivals like Mamdani when it comes to ICE enforcement or TPS protections.

He’s also faced criticism for not investing enough in mental health and social services that disproportionately affect Black and immigrant New Yorkers.

Like this:

Like Loading…