Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is preparing to announce a run for New York City mayor, four people familiar with the planning told CNN.
Cuomo is in the final stages of setting up a run and a formal announcement is expected as soon as this weekend, the people said.
The former governor resigned from office in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has repeatedly denied.
Cuomo has largely stayed out of the public eye since leaving office – has been working behind the scenes for months – calling lawmakers, meeting with labor leaders and convening a stable of seasoned aides and campaign operatives who have previously worked with him, the sources said.
Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s longtime spokesperson declined to comment.
Cuomo is said to be consulting with his family, according to a person familiar with the governor’s thinking. His three daughters were expected to meet with him in the city last week as he continued to mull the decision.
Two people familiar with the governor’s thinking warned Cuomo could still decide not to get in the race. Public flirtation with political office and last-minute decisions about whether to embark on a high-profile run have been a hallmark of the former governor’s political career..
Time is of the essence. The petitioning period for candidates seeking to appear on the June primary ballot began on Tuesday. Candidates have to gather at least 3,750 signatures from registered voters by April 3rd.
Although he has stayed away from conventional media interviews and appearances in recent months, Cuomo has loomed large over the crowded field of candidates challenging Mayor Eric Adams in New York City’s upcoming Democratic primary.