Politics with Nolan: A New York Without Cuomo

By Nolan Cleary, Editor-In-Chief

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, hardly anyone doubted that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s political future seemed like a rosy one. 

With nationwide praise for his handling of the outbreak, Cuomo had become the gold standard for COVID leadership according to many in the media and government. With his approval numbers in New York topping 80%, Cuomo’s future in the Democratic Party looked brighter than ever.

For many, Cuomo was the frontrunner for the 2024 Democratic nomination. A December poll even placed him in first, some even advocated he replace Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for President in 2020. 

With Cuomo’s reputation hotter than ever, the once-beloved Governor seemed to be almost a lock to do something no other Governor had ever done: win a fourth four-year term. 

Cuomo’s father, former Governor Mario Cuomo attempted a fourth term run. However, was defeated by Republicans in the famous Republican Revolution of 1994. 

With the recent scandals plaguing the Governor, it seems Andrew Cuomo’s rising reign of stardom has abruptly come to a close. With multiple harassment allegations leveled against the Governor, a recent report that his administration rewrote a COVID-19 report on nursing home death along with damning information that deaths in nursing homes may have been 50% higher than expected. Cuomo’s path to re-election may be all but shattered. 

With state Attorney General Letitia James investigating the Governor, multiple prominent Democrats calling for Cuomo’s resignation and Cuomo being on track to be just the second New York Governor ever to be impeached. Some question whether Cuomo may even survive the remainder of his current term? 

Should Cuomo resign, state Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul would instantly become New York’s next Governor. A former Congresswoman from Buffalo, Hochul would be the state’s first woman Governor, but some question if Hochul could make it past 2022. 

A moderate in Congress, Hochul has constantly come under fire for her past criticisms of then-President Barack Obama. In 2014 and 2018, she faced competitive primaries for Lieutenant Governor, leading many to wonder if Democrats could pick a new candidate. 

If this is the case, the 2022 New York Gubernatorial election could be one of the national proportions. High-level Democrats from Letitia James to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could be on the list of Democrats to potentially replace the Governor. 

If James were to be elected, she’d be the first African American woman ever elected Governor of a state in America. Many feel she could be the front runner on the Democratic side, as New York Attorney Generals have a record of winning Governor’s races in recent memory. Former Governor Elliot Spitzer was the state’s Attorney General before becoming Governor along with Cuomo. 

Some have suggested that Hakeem Jeffries, a Congressman representing Brooklyn could be a candidate. Though he may wait for a potential retirement from Nancy Pelosi, as he’s been floated as a potential name for Speaker of the House in the future. 

Kathleen Rice, a Congresswoman from Nassau County has been vocally critical of Cuomo, prompting many to suggest she could race. 

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio may seek a promotion, but his poor approval numbers in the city would likely create an uphill battle for a man often at odds with the Governor of his party. 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, granddaughter of Congressman Mario Biaggi is already hinting at a run. 

New York City Public Advocate Jamanne Williams, who challenged Kathy Hochul for Lieutenant Governor four years earlier has also hinted at running. 

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli seems like a likely option as well, though his candidacy may be too local to allow him to win. Republicans are also building hope that they may have an upset in a state that hasn’t had a member of their party as Governor since 2006. 

New York State is known for its long Democratic ties and the last four gubernatorial elections resulted in landslide defeats for the party. Now many high-profile Republicans are seeing a window of opportunity in the coming election. 

Congressman Lee Zeldin of Long Island is a 41-year-old Jewish Iraq War veteran and a graduate of UAlbany is currently considering a run in 2022. 

Another rising star in the party, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of Glens Falls, who is also an Iraq War veteran is reportedly discussing a run. Stefanik, who was born in Albany has long been considered a potential candidate for higher office, as she spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2020. 

However, both candidates may have trouble due to their support of President Donald Trump, who’s largely unpopular in the state. Some have also looked at former Congressman Chris Gibson as a potential solution. 

A moderate Colonial in the military, Gibson has long been rumored as a candidate for higher office in the state. With Gibson recently becoming President of Siena College, however, some question whether he’d want to give up the position for a race he may or may not win. 

George Pataki, the state’s most recent Republican Governor, has even floated another potential run for the governorship. Pataki served as Governor during 9/11 and was an unsuccessful candidate for the presidential election in 2016. 

If a Republican were to win the gubernatorial race, it would be the first time since 2002 that Republicans win a statewide election in the state. 

Robert Whittaker, a political science Professor at Hudson Valley Community College said he believes Republicans have a stronger shot at winning in 2022, but they could be fighting an uphill battle. 

“It’s a challenge nonetheless. The Democrats have a substantial advantage in voter enrollment in New York State but a big part of who wins an election also has voter turnout in greater numbers. So the Democrats may have an enrollment advantage but it’s plausible to see where a lot of Democrats for whatever reason chose to stay home, opt not to vote, or for whatever reason, there’s more interest in voting among Republicans.” Whittaker said. 

Whittaker believes Cuomo could face challenges if he chooses to run for a fourth term. Cuomo is likely to face a major primary challenger should he run and Whittaker cites the failure of Cuomo’s father to win a fourth term as a precedent that could sink his campaign. 

“George Pataki’s victory in 1994 showed that Republicans can kind of come out of nowhere,” Whittaker said. 

Thus far, the only major candidate who’s declared on the Republican side is Lewis County, Sheriff Mike Carpinelli. 

Carpinelli spoke to The Hudsonian exclusively. He said that while he does support the investigation against Cuomo and he doesn’t believe he should resign as of right now. 

“There’s a reason why there’s a process in place called an election, that holds our elected politicians accountable and if they’re not doing the job they should be doing, they should be voted out when that time comes, hopefully. If people put them back in the office, obviously the majority of people think they’re doing a good job,” Carpinelli said. 

So far, Cuomo has shown no sign of leaving any time soon, stating he still intends on seeking a fourth term to office.