Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo admits he regrets his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations and takes aim at his successor’s leadership record.

At a Glance

• Andrew Cuomo stated he “wouldn’t have resigned” if given another chance
• The former governor dismissed claims that his scandal would have paralyzed state government operations
• Cuomo questioned Governor Kathy Hochul’s accomplishments during her four years in office
• He continues to deny all sexual harassment accusations that led to his downfall
• Cuomo originally stepped down believing impeachment proceedings would distract from government functions

Cuomo’s Resignation Regrets

In a revealing interview with The New York Times, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed significant remorse over his decision to resign from office in 2021. Cuomo, who stepped down following multiple allegations of sexual harassment, now claims he made the wrong choice when relinquishing his position. The former Democratic governor was frank about his change of heart, suggesting that the passage of time has given him a different perspective on the events that led to his departure from Albany.

At the time of his resignation, Cuomo cited concerns that potential impeachment proceedings would create an insurmountable distraction to effective governance. However, he now dismisses the notion that remaining in office would have hindered state operations. This reversal suggests Cuomo believes he could have weathered the political storm while continuing to lead New York through the challenges it faced, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response that had defined much of his third term.

Criticism of Hochul’s Leadership

Perhaps most notable in Cuomo’s recent comments was his thinly veiled criticism of his successor, Governor Kathy Hochul. Without directly attacking his former lieutenant governor by name, Cuomo repeatedly questioned the accomplishments of New York’s current administration. His comments reflect a clear attempt to contrast what he perceives as Hochul’s limited record with his own three terms as governor, during which he oversaw major infrastructure projects and guided the state through the early pandemic response.

In the interview, Cuomo continued his indirect assessment of Hochul’s tenure by inviting others to evaluate her performance. “Well, you can judge the record of accomplishment of the past four years,” he stated, clearly implying that such evaluation would not reflect favorably on his successor. This backhanded criticism comes as Hochul has faced her own challenges, including managing post-pandemic economic recovery, rising crime rates in New York City, and a migrant crisis that has strained state resources.

Denying the Allegations

Throughout the interview, Cuomo maintained his innocence regarding the sexual harassment allegations that led to his downfall. Multiple women, including former staffers, had accused him of inappropriate behavior, triggering an investigation by then-Attorney General Letitia James. Despite the investigation concluding that Cuomo had harassed 11 women, the former governor has consistently rejected these findings and continues to portray himself as a victim of political circumstances rather than someone who engaged in misconduct.

Cuomo’s refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing has remained consistent since his resignation, even as several district attorneys examined the evidence against him. While these prosecutors ultimately declined to bring criminal charges, citing various legal thresholds, they did not declare Cuomo innocent of the behavior described by his accusers. This distinction appears lost in Cuomo’s current narrative, as he frames his resignation as an unnecessary concession to political pressure rather than a response to credible allegations.

Political Future Remains Unclear

The timing of Cuomo’s interview has raised questions about his potential political ambitions. While the former governor did not explicitly declare intentions to run for office again, his critical assessment of current leadership and defense of his own record suggest he may be testing the waters for a political comeback. Any such effort would face significant challenges, as many Democratic leaders who once counted themselves as Cuomo allies have since distanced themselves from the former governor.

Governor Hochul’s office has not formally responded to Cuomo’s comments, maintaining focus on current state issues rather than engaging with her predecessor’s criticism. This silence may reflect a strategic decision to deny Cuomo the public sparring match he appears to be seeking, particularly as Hochul works to establish her own independent legacy separate from the shadow of the previous administration that she initially served within as lieutenant governor.