Andrew Cuomo

Andrew Mark Cuomo was born on December 6, 1957,{{cite web|title=Who is Andrew Cuomo? About the NY governor leading coronavirus response in state|url=https://www.syracuse.com/state/2020/03/who-is-andrew-cuomo-about-the-ny-governor-leading-coronavirus-response-in-state.html| publisher=Advance Local | date=March 23, 2020| website=syracuse.com |first=Geoff|last=Herbert|language=en|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626040413/https://www.syracuse.com/state/2020/03/who-is-andrew-cuomo-about-the-ny-governor-leading-coronavirus-response-in-state.html|url-status=live}} in the New York City borough of Queens to lawyer and later governor of New York Mario Cuomo and Matilda (née Raffa).{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Blauner|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=--cCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|title=All Star Family Feud: The Governor's In-Laws Battle Over a Father's Legacy|work=New York|date=February 13, 1989|access-date=December 6, 2010|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223070359/https://books.google.com/books?id=--cCAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35|url-status=live}} His parents were both of Italian descent; his paternal grandparents were from Nocera Inferiore and Tramonti in the Campania region of southern Italy, while his maternal grandparents were from Sicily (his grandfather from Messina).{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Arena|author2=Marianne Arneberg|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/104068528.html?dids=104068528:104068528&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+20%2C+1988&author=By+Michael+Arena+and+Marianne+Arneberg&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Cuomo's+Father-in-Law+Dies&pqatl=google|title=Cuomo's Father-in-Law Dies|work=Newsday|date=October 20, 1988|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=February 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203203243/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/104068528.html?dids=104068528%3A104068528&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Oct+20%2C+1988&author=By+Michael+Arena+and+Marianne+Arneberg&pub=Newsday+%28Combined+editions%29&desc=Cuomo%27s+Father-in-Law+Dies&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}} He has four siblings;{{Cite news|last=O'Kane|first=Caitlin|date=March 24, 2020|title=New York Governor Andrew Cuomo takes national spotlight during coronavirus pandemic|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-updates-new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-takes-national-spotlight-during-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-03-24/|work=CBS News|language=en-US|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122182623/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-updates-new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-takes-national-spotlight-during-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-03-24/|url-status=live}} his younger brother, Chris Cuomo, is a current NewsNation anchor and a former CNN journalist, and his elder sister is noted radiologist Margaret Cuomo.{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Barbaro|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/nyregion/24sexiest.html|title=All That Time Serving the Public? Very Sexy|work=The New York Times|date=November 23, 2010|access-date=December 6, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101125130807/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/nyregion/24sexiest.html| archive-date= November 25, 2010 | url-status= live}}

Cuomo graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in 1975.{{cite web|title=Andrew Cuomo Biography: Government Official, Lawyer (1957–)|url=http://www.biography.com/people/andrew-cuomo-21024931|website=Biography.com (FYI / A&E Networks)|access-date=May 25, 2015|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320231352/https://www.biography.com/people/andrew-cuomo-21024931|url-status=live}} He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University in 1979 and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1982.

During his father's successful 1982 campaign for governor, Cuomo served as campaign manager. He then joined the governor's staff as a policy advisor and sometime Albany roommate,{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Chris|url=https://nymag.com/news/features/andrew-cuomo-2013-4/|title=The Albany Machiavelli|work=New York|date=April 14, 2013|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008093443/https://nymag.com/news/features/andrew-cuomo-2013-4/|url-status=live}} earning $1 a year.{{cite news|first=Patrice|last=O'Shaughnessy|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/09/27/2009-09-27_andrew_cuomo_from_horror_on_the_hudson_to_democrats_chosen_son.html|title=Andrew Cuomo: From Horror on the Hudson to Democrats' chosen son|work=Daily News|location=New York|date=September 27, 2009|access-date=December 6, 2010|archive-date=July 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707131717/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/09/27/2009-09-27_andrew_cuomo_from_horror_on_the_hudson_to_democrats_chosen_son.html|url-status=live}} As a member of his father's administration, Cuomo was known as the "enforcer" where his father was known as the "nice guy" in a good cop/bad cop dynamic to further advance his father's legislative agenda.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/13/us/politics/andrew-cuomo-scandals.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/13/us/politics/andrew-cuomo-scandals.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=The Imperious Rise and Accelerating Fall of Andrew Cuomo|first=Shane|last=Goldmacher|work=The New York Times|date=March 13, 2021|access-date=March 14, 2021}}{{cbignore}}

From 1984 to 1985, Cuomo was a New York assistant district attorney and briefly worked at the law firm of Blutrich, Falcone & Miller. He founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP) in 1986 and left his law firm to run HELP full time in 1988. From 1990 to 1993, during the administration of New York City mayor David Dinkins, Cuomo was chair of the New York City Homeless Commission, which was responsible for developing policies to address homelessness in the city and providing more housing options.{{Cite news|last=Dugger|first=Celia W.|date=January 31, 1992|title=Report to Dinkins Urges Overhaul In Shelter System for the Homeless|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/31/nyregion/report-to-dinkins-urges-overhaul-in-shelter-system-for-the-homeless.html|access-date=May 7, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625045452/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/31/nyregion/report-to-dinkins-urges-overhaul-in-shelter-system-for-the-homeless.html|url-status=live}}

File:HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo.jpg

Cuomo was appointed Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1993, a member of President Bill Clinton's administration. After the departure of Secretary Henry Cisneros at the end of Clinton's first term under the cloud of an FBI investigation,{{cite news | last =Evans | first =Judith | title =HUD's Cisneros to Leave a Legacy of Public Housing Reform | newspaper =The Washington Post | page =E01 | date =November 30, 1996 | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/cisneros/stories/cis113096.htm | access-date =January 12, 2011 | archive-date =November 11, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121111193809/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/cisneros/stories/cis113096.htm | url-status =live }} Cuomo was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to succeed him as Secretary of HUD. Cuomo served as Secretary from January 1997 until the Clinton administration ended in 2001.

File:Elijah Cummings, Paul Sarbanes, and Andrew Cuomo.jpg and Paul Sarbanes in 1998]]

In 2000, Cuomo led HUD efforts to negotiate an agreement with United States handgun manufacturer Smith & Wesson. This agreement required Smith & Wesson to change the design, distribution, and marketing of guns to make them safer and to help keep them out of the hands of children and criminals.{{cite web|url=http://archives.hud.gov/secretaries/cuomobio.cfm |title=Andrew M. Cuomo |work=Archives, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development |access-date=May 20, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100527090837/http://archives.hud.gov/secretaries/cuomobio.cfm| archive-date= May 27, 2010 | url-status= live}} Budgets enacted during Cuomo's term contained initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing and home ownership and to create jobs and economic development. These included new rental assistance subsidies, reforms to integrate public housing, higher limits on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a crackdown on housing discrimination, expanded programs to help homeless people get housing and jobs, and creation of new empowerment zones.

File:Andrew Cuomo and Lawrence Summers hold a press conference on predatory lending.jpg in June 2000]]

During Cuomo's tenure as HUD Secretary, he called for an increase in home ownership.{{cite web|title=Cuomo's HUD career under scrutiny Questions persist over department's possible role in subprime mortgage meltdown|url=https://buffalonews.com/2010/05/30/cuomos-hud-career-under-scrutinyquestions-persist-over-departments-possible-role-in-subprime-mortgage-meltdown/|date=May 30, 2010|website=The Buffalo News|language=en-us|access-date=May 7, 2020|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215111604/https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/news/cuomos-hud-career-under-scrutiny-questions-persist-over-departments-possible-role-in-subprime-mortgage-meltdown/article_18769d7b-2f58-54a1-9935-9f8fffcd8b83.html|url-status=live}} He also pushed government-sponsored lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more home loans issued to poor homeowners in an attempt to end discrimination against minorities.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/nyregion/24hud.html |title=As HUD Chief, Cuomo Earns a Mixed Score |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 23, 2010 |author1=David M. Halbfinger |author2=Michael Powell |access-date=September 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127034455/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/nyregion/24hud.html |archive-date=January 27, 2014 |url-status=live }} Some believe that this helped lead to the 2007–2010 subprime mortgage crisis.{{cite web|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-08-05/news/how-andrew-cuomo-gave-birth-to-the-crisis-at-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac/ |title=Andrew Cuomo and Fannie and Freddie |work=The Village Voice |date=August 5, 2008 |access-date=September 17, 2010 |first=Wayne |last=Barrett |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722145449/http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-08-05/news/how-andrew-cuomo-gave-birth-to-the-crisis-at-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac/ |archive-date=July 22, 2010 }} Edward J. Pinto, former chief credit officer at Fannie Mae, said: "They should have known the risks were large."{{cite news |last=Fairbanks |first=Phil |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/cuomos-hud-career-under-scrutiny-questions-persist-over-departments-possible-role-in-subprime-mortgage-meltdown/article_18769d7b-2f58-54a1-9935-9f8fffcd8b83.html |title=Cuomo's HUD career under scrutiny Questions persist over department's possible role in subprime mortgage meltdown |work=The Buffalo News |date=May 30, 2010 |access-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-date=March 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323174829/https://buffalonews.com/news/cuomos-hud-career-under-scrutiny-questions-persist-over-departments-possible-role-in-subprime-mortgage-meltdown/article_18769d7b-2f58-54a1-9935-9f8fffcd8b83.html |url-status=live }} Pinto said, "Cuomo was pushing mortgage bankers to make loans and basically saying you have to offer a loan to everybody." But others disagree with the assessment that Cuomo caused the crisis. Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said Cuomo "was a contributor in terms of him being a cheerleader, but I don't think we can pin too much blame on him".

According to libertarian author and critic James Bovard, Cuomo was obsessed with changing HUD's image, as Cuomo declared, "The PR is the important thing I do... Eighty percent of the battle is communications." He championed a new program called Community Builders, created without appropriation by Congress, for 800 new HUD employees with computers to be paid as much as $100,000. In a June 16, 1999, speech, Cuomo declared that one purpose of the program was to fight against HUD's abolition. In August 1999, Community Builders distributed a letter to community groups to fight against proposed tax cuts. One HUD official declared that Community Builders was seen as "Democratic ward heelers who act as a pipeline between Democratic city officials, party leaders, and the administration and the Democratic National Committee."

In 1998, Clinton-appointed HUD inspector general Susan Gaffney testified to a Senate committee that she was the victim of {{" '}}escalating' attacks on her office by Cuomo and 'his key aides,' including cooked-up charges of racism, insubordination, malfeasance, and general dirty-dealing". In 1999, Gaffney's office concluded that "most (15 out of 19) Community Builders' goals were activities rather than actual accomplishments" and that Cuomo's initiatives "had a crippling effect on many of HUD's ongoing operations".{{cite book | first=James | last=Bovard | author-link=James Bovard | year= 2000 | title= Feeling Your Pain: The Explosion and Abuse Of Government Power in the Clinton-Gore Years | url=https://archive.org/details/feelingyourpaine00bova_312 | url-access=limited | publisher=St. Martin's Press | location= New York | id=0-312-23082-6 | pages= [https://archive.org/details/feelingyourpaine00bova_312/page/n188 182]–184| isbn=9780312230821 }} Gaffney retired in May 2001, shortly after the department reached a $490,000 settlement with a black employee who had accused her of racial discrimination in passing him over for a promotion.{{cite news |last=Nakashima |first=Ellen |agency=The Washington Post |date=May 6, 2001 |title=HUD's Inspector General Retiring After Racial-Bias Suit Settlement |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2001-05-06-0105060155-story.html |work=Sun-Sentinel |location=Deerfield Beach, FL |access-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321163403/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2001-05-06-0105060155-story.html |url-status=live }}

Prior to Cuomo's tenure, HUD was routinely included on the General Accounting Office's biannual watch list of government programs whose poor management made them prone to fraud.{{cite news |last=Mahler |first=Jonathan |date=August 11, 2010 |title=The Making of Andrew Cuomo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/magazine/15Cuomo-t.html |work=The New York Times Magazine |page=30 |access-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321162601/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/magazine/15Cuomo-t.html |url-status=live }} During his time in office, two of HUD's four main departments were removed from the GAO list. In addition, the department cut 15 percent of its staff as part of a Cuomo initiative to streamline its operations.

From 2001 to 2006, Cuomo was not in government. He worked at the Fried Frank law firm from 2001 to 2004 and later the Island Capital real estate firm.{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/world/toxic-andrew-cuomo-will-struggle-to-find-law-firms-who-want-him-post-albany |title='Toxic' Andrew Cuomo will struggle to find law firms who want him post-Albany |work=Bloomberg |via=National Post |first1=Chris |last1=Dolmetsch |first2=Brian |last2=Baxter |date=August 11, 2021 |access-date=March 30, 2022}}

{{see also|2002 New York gubernatorial election}}

Cuomo first ran for the Democratic nomination for the New York governor seat in 2002. He was initially the favorite for the nomination and led in fundraising and polls, but his campaign took serious damage after a gaffe. Speaking about the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Cuomo said, "Pataki stood behind the leader. He held the leader's coat. He was a great assistant to the leader. But he was not a leader. Cream rises to the top, and Rudy Giuliani rose to the top." His remarks were widely derided; even his father, former governor Mario Cuomo, later admitted it was a blunder.{{cite news|first=Rod|last=Dreher |url=http://www.nationalreview.com/dreher/dreher090402.asp|title=Where the Son Doesn't Follow|work=National Review|date=September 4, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020910104631/http://www.nationalreview.com/dreher/dreher090402.asp|archive-date=September 10, 2002}}

On the eve of the state convention, Cuomo withdrew from consideration after concluding that he had little chance of support against the favored party candidate, State Comptroller Carl McCall.{{cite news| first=Bill| last=Schneider| url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/09/06/ip.pol.umbrella/index.html|title=Let a political connection be your umbrella?|work=Inside Politics|publisher=CNN|date=September 6, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050319094326/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/09/06/ip.pol.umbrella/index.html|archive-date=March 19, 2005}} McCall went on to lose the general election to incumbent George Pataki.

{{main|2006 New York Attorney General election}}

Cuomo declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for New York state attorney general in 2006 and on May 30, 2006, captured the Democratic Party's endorsement, receiving 65% of the delegates. Though Cuomo won the endorsement, former New York City public advocate Mark Green and two-time candidate for Lieutenant Governor Charlie King also earned places on the Democratic ballot.{{cite news|first=Jonathan P.|last=Hicks|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/31/nyregion/31ag.html|title=Cuomo Wins Democrats' Backing in Primary Race for Attorney General|work=The New York Times|date=May 31, 2006|access-date=July 23, 2007|archive-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406191413/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/31/nyregion/31ag.html|url-status=live}} King dropped out of the race before the primary and endorsed Cuomo.{{cite news|first=Elizabeth|last=Benjamin|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/02/sharpton-praises-paterson-wont.html|title=Sharpton Praises Paterson, Won't Endorse Cuomo Today | location=New York |work=Daily News|date=February 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303002407/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/02/sharpton-praises-paterson-wont.html|archive-date=March 3, 2010}}

Cuomo won the primary with a majority of the vote, defeating his nearest opponent by over 20%. Clinching the Democratic party nomination was considered a significant rebound following his unsuccessful and unpopular 2002 gubernatorial campaign, and at the nominating convention June O'Neill, the Democratic chairwoman of St. Lawrence County, called him "New York's own Comeback Kid". In the general election on November 7, 2006, he defeated the Republican nominee, former Westchester district attorney Jeanine Pirro, winning 58% of the vote.

{{main|Eliot Spitzer political surveillance controversy}}

On July 23, 2007, Cuomo's office admonished the Spitzer administration for ordering the New York State Police to keep special records of then Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno's whereabouts when he traveled with police escorts in New York City.{{cite news|first=Danny|last=Hakim|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/nyregion/23cnd-spitzer.html|title=Spitzer's Staff Misused Police, Report Finds|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 23, 2007|access-date=July 24, 2007|archive-date=July 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719082147/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/nyregion/23cnd-spitzer.html|url-status=live}} At the discretion of top officials of the Spitzer administration, the created documents meant to cause political damage to Bruno.{{cite news|first=Cara |last=Matthews |url=http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070723/NEWS01/70723006/1002 |title=Cuomo: Spitzer aides used state police to try to damage Bruno |work=The Ithaca Journal |date=July 23, 2007 |access-date=July 24, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=August 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [http://m.lohud.com/detail.jsp?key=62289&full=1 Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324091816/http://m.lohud.com/detail.jsp?key=62289&full=1 |date=March 24, 2008 }} Spitzer responded by accepting responsibility and issuing an apology to Bruno.{{cite news |first=Sally |last=Goldenberg |url=http://blog.silive.com/advanceupdate/2007/07/report_governor_office_compil.html|title=Report: Governor's office compiled, leaked data on Bruno |work=Staten Island Advance |date=July 23, 2007 |access-date=July 24, 2007}}{{dead link|date=February 2013}}

In 2007, Cuomo was active in a high-profile investigation into lending practices and anti-competitive relationships between student lenders and universities. Specifically, many universities steered student borrowers to a "preferred lender", which resulted in the borrowers' incurring higher interest rates. This led to changes in lending policy at many major American universities. Many universities also rebated millions of dollars in fees to affected borrowers.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2007-04-10-cuomo-student-loan-probe_N.htm|title=Cuomo: School loan corruption widespread|work=USA Today|access-date=April 8, 2008|date=April 10, 2007|archive-date=May 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523234526/http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2007-04-10-cuomo-student-loan-probe_N.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Doug|last=Lederman|url=http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/05/15/texas|title=The First Casualty|website=Inside Higher Education|date=May 15, 2007|access-date=April 8, 2008|archive-date=October 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010060624/http://insidehighered.com/news/2007/05/15/texas|url-status=live}}

File:CuomoAckerman.jpg in October 2008]]

On June 10, 2008, Cuomo announced that three major Internet service providers (Verizon Communications, Time Warner Cable, and Sprint) would "shut down major sources of online child pornography" by no longer hosting many Usenet groups. Time Warner Cable ceased offering Usenet altogether, Sprint ended access to the 18,408 newsgroups in the alt.* hierarchy, and Verizon limited its Usenet offerings to the approximately 3,000 Big 8 newsgroups. The move came after Cuomo's office located 88 different newsgroups to which child pornography had been posted.{{cite web |last=Rosencrance |first=Lisa |url=http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9095778 |title=3 top ISPs to block access to sources of child porn |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9095778 |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |work=Computer World |date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=September 23, 2010}}{{cite web |last=DeJean |first=David |title=Usenet: Not Dead Yet |work=PC World |date=October 7, 2008 |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/151989-2/usenet_not_dead_yet.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120921/https://www.pcworld.com/article/151989-2/usenet_not_dead_yet.html |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2010}}{{cite web | last= McCullagh | first= Declan | title= N.Y. attorney general forces ISPs to curb Usenet access | url= http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-9964895-38.html | date= June 10, 2008 | website=CNET News | access-date= April 28, 2009 | archive-date= October 11, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081011104010/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-9964895-38.html | url-status= live }}

In 2008, Cuomo said of the Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama, who was running against Hillary Clinton, the candidate Cuomo supported: "You can't shuck and jive at a press conference." Cuomo received criticism from some for his use of the phrase. Roland Martin of CNN said that "'Shucking and jiving' have long been words used as a negative assessment of African Americans, along the lines of a 'foot shufflin' Negro'. In fact, I don't recall ever hearing the phrase used in reference to anyone white."[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/11/martin-shucking-and-jiving-and-the-campaign-trail/ "Martin: 'Shucking and jiving' and the campaign trail"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210111757/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/11/martin-shucking-and-jiving-and-the-campaign-trail/ |date=December 10, 2018 }}, CNN Political Ticker – CNN.com Blogs, January 11, 2008.

Cuomo investigated a corruption scandal, a "fraudulent scheme to extract kickbacks", which involved New York investigators, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and attorneys general in dozens of states.[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/business/15leuschen.html Go-Between Tied Funds to Carlyle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127112750/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/business/15leuschen.html |date=January 27, 2018 }}. The New York Times. May 14, 2009.

{{See also|United States Senate special election in New York, 2010#Potential candidates|l1=Possible appointment choices for the New York Senate seat}}

After Hillary Clinton became President Obama's choice for U.S. secretary of state in December 2008, then-New York governor David Paterson was charged with appointing a temporary replacement until a special election. Cuomo was seen as a leading contender for this appointment.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/us/politics/22hillary.html|title=If Clinton Should Win, Who Would Take Her Place?|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=January 22, 2007|newspaper=The New York Times|last1=Chan |first1=Sewell |first2=Richard |last2=Pérez-Peña|archive-date=June 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605073637/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/us/politics/22hillary.html|url-status=live}}{{failed verification|date=March 2022|reason=The cited sources are about a completely different topic, and at least the first one does not mention Cuomo. I suspect that both of them don't mention Cuomo Those sources are from early 2007, and Obama did not announce his selection of Clinton until late 2008. Those sources are talking about what would happen if Clinton was elected president. They are not talking about her selection as Secretary of State.}} Caroline Kennedy (who is a first cousin of Cuomo's ex-wife) was another leading contender, but withdrew for personal reasons two days before Paterson was set to announce his choice, leaving Cuomo and U.S. representative Kirsten Gillibrand as the most likely appointees.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/us/politics/04senateseat.html|title=Wishing and Hoping for Clinton's Seat|access-date=November 23, 2008|date=October 4, 2007|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Hakim, Danny|archive-date=April 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425043953/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/us/politics/04senateseat.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/nyregion/22york.html|title=New York Weighs Options to Fill the Seat of Senator Clinton |access-date=November 23, 2008|date=November 21, 2008|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Hakim, Danny| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081210011131/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/nyregion/22york.html| archive-date= December 10, 2008 | url-status= live}} On January 23, Paterson announced he would appoint Gillibrand to the U.S. Senate.{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/23/gillibrand.profile/index.html | title=N.Y. governor names Clinton successor | last=Silverleib |first=Alan | website=CNN | date=January 23, 2009 | access-date=January 12, 2011 | archive-date=May 5, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505070347/http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/23/gillibrand.profile/index.html | url-status=live }}

{{main|2010 New York gubernatorial election}}File:2010 New York gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

On September 18, 2009, advisors to President Barack Obama informed Governor David Paterson that the president believed he should withdraw his 2010 gubernatorial candidacy, stepping aside for "popular Attorney General Andrew Cuomo".{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/obama-cordial-but-cool-to-gov-paterson-1.1465587 |title=Obama cordial but cool to Gov. David Paterson |work=Newsday |date=September 21, 2009 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |archive-date=September 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924234018/http://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/obama-cordial-but-cool-to-gov-paterson-1.1465587 |url-status=live }} On January 23, 2010, the New York Daily News reported that Cuomo would announce plans for a gubernatorial campaign at the end of March.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/01/23/2010-01-23_source_says_andrew_cuomo_will_announce_plans_to_run_for_new_york_governor_in_mar.html| title=Source says Andrew Cuomo will announce plans to run for New York Governor in March|date=January 23, 2010|access-date=January 24, 2010|author=Molloy, Joanna|newspaper=Daily News| location=New York | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100127181447/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/01/23/2010-01-23_source_says_andrew_cuomo_will_announce_plans_to_run_for_new_york_governor_in_mar.html| archive-date= January 27, 2010 | url-status= live}} Later reports indicated Cuomo would announce his gubernatorial campaign coinciding with the state Democratic Convention in late May.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=ao6UppVoMprA |title=Cuomo Said to Wait for N.Y. Convention to Declare Governor Run |website=Bloomberg|date=May 30, 2005 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |first=Henry |last=Goldman |archive-date=December 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218190007/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=ao6UppVoMprA |url-status=live }} On May 22, 2010, Cuomo announced his run for governor in a video posted to his campaign website. Cuomo announced his choice for lieutenant governor on May 26, 2010: Robert Duffy, Mayor of Rochester.{{cite news|url=http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/505988/cuomo-names-mayor-duffy-as-running-mate/|title=Cuomo Names Mayor Duffy as Running Mate|work=Your News Now (YNN) Rochester|date=May 26, 2010|access-date=February 18, 2012|archive-date=March 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309022758/http://rochester.ynn.com/content/top_stories/505988/cuomo-names-mayor-duffy-as-running-mate/|url-status=live}}

In the November 2, 2010, general election, Cuomo faced Republican Carl Paladino, a Buffalo-based businessman who had been heavily supported by the Tea Party movement. Cuomo won the election for governor by a landslide, winning 62.6% of the vote. Paladino performed strongly in his native Buffalo area, while Cuomo performed well in the eastern part of the state as well as downstate.{{cite web|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article187686.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208193115/http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article187686.ece|url-status=dead|title="Long Islanders put Paladino to test as their cup of tea", Buffalo News, September 12, 2010.|archive-date=February 8, 2012}}

In addition to the parties fielding candidates, New York's electoral fusion laws allow parties to cross-endorse candidates. The Independence Party and Working Families Party cross-endorsed Andrew Cuomo, while the Conservative Party and Taxpayers Party cross-endorsed Carl Paladino. The Independence Party line received 146,648 votes (5.0% of Cuomo's total, and 3.2% of the statewide total) and the Working Families line received 154,853 votes (5.3% and 3.4%), with the Democratic line receiving the remaining 2,610,220 votes (89.6% and 56.5%). The Conservative line received 232,281 votes (15.0% of Paladino's total, and 5.0% of the statewide total) and the Taxpayers line received 25,821 votes (1.5% and 0.6%), with the Republican line receiving the remaining 1,290,082 votes (83.3% and 27.1%).

{{see also|2014 New York gubernatorial election}}

Cuomo sought reelection in 2014, with former U.S. representative Kathy Hochul as his new running mate. On March 5, 2014, Westchester County executive Rob Astorino announced that he would run on the Republican ticket against Cuomo for governor.{{cite news|last=McKinley|first=Jesse|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/nyregion/astorino-bid-for-new-york-governor.html|title=Westchester Leader Opens Bid to Deny Cuomo a Second Term|work=The New York Times|date=March 5, 2014|access-date=March 26, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311004606/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/06/nyregion/astorino-bid-for-new-york-governor.html|url-status=live}} Law professors Zephyr Teachout and Tim Wu challenged the Cuomo–Hochul ticket in the Democratic primary election{{cite web|url=http://news.firedoglake.com/2014/09/10/cuomo-spent-nearly-40-times-more-than-teachout-to-win-primary/|title=Cuomo Spent Nearly 40 Times More Than Teachout To Win Primary|work=Shadowproof|access-date=September 11, 2014|archive-date=September 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911121007/http://news.firedoglake.com/2014/09/10/cuomo-spent-nearly-40-times-more-than-teachout-to-win-primary/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/election-night-stub/|title=Cuomo Wins Democratic Primary|website=WNYC|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115184647/https://www.wnyc.org/story/election-night-stub/|url-status=live}}{{snd}}capturing 34% of the vote on the gubernatorial line (Wu drew 40.1% as lieutenant governor{{cite web|url=http://project.wnyc.org/election2014-ny-state/|title=Election Results – 2014 NY State Primary|website=WNYC |access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=March 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312025638/https://project.wnyc.org/election2014-ny-state/|url-status=live}}).{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/zephyr-teachout-primary-loss-air-victory-party-article-1.1934371|title=Zephyr Teachout's primary election loss has air of a victory party |first=Annie |last=Karni |date= September 10, 2014|work=New York Daily News |access-date=September 11, 2014|archive-date=September 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911044540/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/zephyr-teachout-primary-loss-air-victory-party-article-1.1934371|url-status=live}} On November 4, 2014, Cuomo was reelected for a second term with 54% of the vote,{{cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Thomas |date=November 4, 2014 |title=Andrew Cuomo Is Re-elected New York Governor, but Loses Clout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/05/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-is-re-elected-governor-of-new-york.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=January 15, 2014 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111220642/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/05/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-is-re-elected-governor-of-new-york.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Election-Day-2014-New-York-Governor-Andrew-Cuomo-Rob-Astorino-Vote-281478431.html|title=Andrew Cuomo Wins Re-election in NY Governor's Race|work=NBC New York|date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014|archive-date=November 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105084505/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Election-Day-2014-New-York-Governor-Andrew-Cuomo-Rob-Astorino-Vote-281478431.html|url-status=live}} while Astorino received 40.6% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://project.wnyc.org/election2014/|title=Election 2014 |website=WNYC |access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019032403/https://project.wnyc.org/election2014/|url-status=live}}

Despite low voter turnout, Cuomo won the general election by a comfortable margin; however, his margin of victory was smaller than it had been in his 2010 victory. Astorino won most of upstate New York but was overwhelmed in New York City. Cuomo was sworn in for his second term as governor.

{{main|2018 New York gubernatorial election}}

Cuomo was challenged in the primary from the left by actress and activist Cynthia Nixon. She criticized him for having failed to fix the New York City Subway following his declaration of the 2017 New York City transit crisis as well as for not protecting undocumented immigrants, not legalizing recreational marijuana,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cynthia-nixon-andrew-cuomo-debate-new-york-governor-1202921172/|title=Cynthia Nixon and Andrew Cuomo Spar Over Subway Woes, Legalizing Pot in Gubernatorial Debate|first=Cynthia|last=Littleton|date=August 30, 2018|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902151742/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cynthia-nixon-andrew-cuomo-debate-new-york-governor-1202921172/|url-status=live}} and not creating a single-payer healthcare system.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-pol-nixon-cuomo-single-payer-health-care-20180724-story.html|title=Cynthia Nixon calls for single-payer health care in New York|last=Shittu|first=Kenneth Lovett, Esther|website=nydailynews.com|date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=August 17, 2019|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827133414/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-pol-nixon-cuomo-single-payer-health-care-20180724-story.html|url-status=live}} When debating Nixon, Cuomo countered her argument on the subways by pointing out that the system is owned by New York City, though past administrations agree it is the governor's role.{{cite web|url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/793250/andrew-cuomo-cynthia-nixon-gubernatorial-debate-gets-heated-stop-lying|title=Andrew Cuomo, Cynthia Nixon gubernatorial debate gets heated: 'Can you stop lying?'|website=The Week |date=August 29, 2018|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909191205/http://theweek.com/speedreads/793250/andrew-cuomo-cynthia-nixon-gubernatorial-debate-gets-heated-stop-lying|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/08/31/cuomo-continues-his-ping-pong-approach-to-subway-ownership-588765|title=Cuomo continues his ping-pong approach to subway ownership|website=Politico|date=August 31, 2018 |access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-date=September 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910165050/https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/08/31/cuomo-continues-his-ping-pong-approach-to-subway-ownership-588765|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://gothamist.com/2018/08/30/cuomo_corruption_questions.php|title=Some Questions For Cuomo After Wednesday's Debate|access-date=September 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831110014/http://gothamist.com/2018/08/30/cuomo_corruption_questions.php|archive-date=August 31, 2018|url-status=dead}} An analysis conducted by New York City comptroller Scott Stringer revealed that New York City pays for 70 percent of subway repair costs.

Cuomo defeated Nixon, 65.5–34.5%.

On November 6, 2018, the Cuomo-Hochul ticket defeated the Molinaro-Killian ticket by a margin of 59.6% to 36.2%.{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2018/general/2018Governor.pdf|title=Certified Results from the November 6, 2018 General Election for Governor and Lt. Governor|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117011943/https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2018/general/2018Governor.pdf|url-status=live}}

On March 19, 2021, The New York Times, in an episode of their podcast The Daily, leaked audio of Cuomo threatening Bill Lipton, head of the Working Families Party, which had endorsed primary opponent Nixon, that "[i]f you ever say, 'Well he's better than a Republican' again, then I'm gonna say, 'You're better than a child rapist.'"{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/podcasts/the-daily/andrew-cuomo-sexual-harassement-nursing-homes.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/podcasts/the-daily/andrew-cuomo-sexual-harassement-nursing-homes.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=The Ruthless Rise and Lonely Decline of Andrew Cuomo|first=Michael|last=Barbaro|work=The Daily|publisher=The New York Times|date=March 19, 2021|access-date=March 20, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cuomo-threatened-to-compare-critic-to-child-rapist-in-leaked-audio|title=Cuomo threatened to compare critic to 'child rapist' in leaked audio|first=Marisa|last=Schultz|work=Fox News|date=March 20, 2021|access-date=March 20, 2021|archive-date=March 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320200508/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cuomo-threatened-to-compare-critic-to-child-rapist-in-leaked-audio|url-status=live}}

{{main|2022 New York gubernatorial election}}

In May 2019, Governor Cuomo announced he would run for a fourth term.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-cuomo-says-hell-run-for-fourth-term-as-governor/|title=Andrew Cuomo says he'll run for fourth term as New York governor|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=May 28, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806002137/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-cuomo-says-hell-run-for-fourth-term-as-governor/|url-status=live}} In August 2021, after a report released by the attorney general of New York, Letitia James, detailed accusations of sexual harassment by Governor Cuomo and his attempts to silence victims, the New York State Legislature's leaders indicated that they would seek to remove Cuomo from office. While denouncing the report's findings as political and maintaining his

innocence, in the face of almost certain removal from office, he announced his resignation as Governor, effective August 24, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://ag.ny.gov/CuomoIndependentInvestigation|title=Transcripts and Exhibits from Independent Investigation into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Former Governor Andrew Cuomo|publisher=Office of the New York State Attorney General|date=|accessdate=June 21, 2024}}{{Cite news|last1=Ferré-Sadurní|first1=Luis|last2=Goodman|first2=J. David|date=August 10, 2021|title=Cuomo Resigns Amid Scandals, Ending Decade-Long Run in Disgrace|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-resigns.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/10/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-resigns.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|access-date=August 11, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/08/23/1030323379/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-farewell-address-resignation|title=In His Final Address, Andrew Cuomo Attacks The Investigation That Led Him To Resign|publisher=NPR|date=August 23, 2021|accessdate=July 11, 2024}} Although there was no formal withdrawal, individuals close to Cuomo indicated he would likely not seek his party's nomination following his resignation.{{cite web|last=Gartland|first=Michael|title=Cuomo's resignation opens the potentially wide-open governor's race next year|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-cuomo-resignation-race-to-become-next-governor-20210810-6t6o65uusvhmzprod2p5z7fuhm-story.html|access-date=August 11, 2021|website=nydailynews.com|date=August 10, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810212531/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-cuomo-resignation-race-to-become-next-governor-20210810-6t6o65uusvhmzprod2p5z7fuhm-story.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main article|Political positions of Andrew Cuomo}}

Cuomo took the gubernatorial oath of office at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2011, succeeding David Paterson.{{cite news|first=Danny|last=Hakim|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/nyregion/01swearing.html|title=Cuomo Is Sworn In as New York's Governor|work=The New York Times|date=December 31, 2010|access-date=January 1, 2011|archive-date=January 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101044925/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/nyregion/01swearing.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Jacob|last=Gershman|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704543604576054750661022820|title=Cuomo Takes Office, Calls New York State's Reputation a 'National Joke'|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 2, 2011|access-date=January 11, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110126110737/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704543604576054750661022820.html| archive-date= January 26, 2011 | url-status= live}} During his first year as governor, Cuomo worked to pass an on-time budget{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/nyregion/31nybudget-albany.html | newspaper=The New York Times | first=Thomas | last=Kaplan | title=Albany Approves Budget, With Time to Spare | date=March 31, 2011 | access-date=February 5, 2017 | archive-date=March 19, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319044424/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/nyregion/31nybudget-albany.html | url-status=live }} that cut spending without raising taxes,{{cite news| url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-03-27/local/29375758_1_new-york-state-budget-cuomo-spending-cuts | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711171506/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-03-27/local/29375758_1_new-york-state-budget-cuomo-spending-cuts | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 11, 2012 | location=New York | work=New York Daily News | first1=Kenneth | last1=Lovett | first2=Glenn | last2=Blain | title=Cuomo, lawmakers reach New York State budget deal, agreeing on 2% cut in spending and no new taxes | date=March 27, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/03/cuomo-victory-lap/ |title=Cuomo Praises Lawmakers In Video Victory Lap |publisher=Capitaltonight.com |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412073005/http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/03/cuomo-victory-lap/ |archive-date=April 12, 2011 }} made a new deal with a large state-employee union,{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/nyregion/public-employees-union-accepts-cuomos-contract-deal-to-avert-layoffs.html | newspaper=The New York Times | first=Thomas | last=Kaplan | title=Public Employees Union Accepts Cuomo's Contract Deal to Avert Layoffs | date=November 3, 2011 | access-date=February 5, 2017 | archive-date=March 19, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319044330/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/nyregion/public-employees-union-accepts-cuomos-contract-deal-to-avert-layoffs.html | url-status=live }} signed ethics reform legislation,{{cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Colby |url=http://empire.wnyc.org/2011/08/cuomo-signs-ethics-reform-into-law/ |title=Cuomo signs ethics reform into law |website=WNYC |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215111601/https://www.wnyc.org/story/195826-cuomo-signs-ethics-reform-into-law/ |url-status=live }} passed a property tax cap,{{cite web |url=http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/6302011HistoricPropertyTaxCap |title=Governor Cuomo Signs Historic Property Tax Cap Legislation In Nassau County | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |website=Governor.ny.gov |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414194150/http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/6302011HistoricPropertyTaxCap |url-status=live }} worked to enact a same-sex marriage bill with bipartisan support,{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-jun-25-la-na-gay-new-york-20110626-story.html | work=Los Angeles Times| first=Geraldine | last=Baum | title=Gay marriage fight shows N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is no rookie | date=June 25, 2011 | access-date=February 20, 2020 | archive-date=March 17, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317221727/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/25/nation/la-na-gay-new-york-20110626 | url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Chris |url=https://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/06/gay_marriage_bill_all_goes_acc.html |title=Gay Marriage All Goes According to Andrew Cuomo's Plan – Daily Intel |work=New York Intelligencer |date=June 25, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902080927/http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/06/gay_marriage_bill_all_goes_acc.html |url-status=live }} and restructured New York's tax code.{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2011/12/assembly-finally-passes-tax-package | location=New York | work=New York Daily News | title=Assembly (Finally) Passes Tax Package | access-date=January 15, 2012 | archive-date=July 20, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720155446/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2011/12/assembly-finally-passes-tax-package | url-status=live }}{{cite news| url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-06/news/30483620_1_tax-rate-tax-surcharge-tax-code | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708055504/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-12-06/news/30483620_1_tax-rate-tax-surcharge-tax-code | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 8, 2012 | location=New York | work=New York Daily News | first=Kenneth | last=Lovett | title=Cuomo announces sweeping tax deal | date=December 6, 2011}}

In 2014, Politico reported that Cuomo had been actively involved in the formation of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) three years earlier, which gave control of the state senate to Republicans.{{cite web|last1=Zeff|first1=Blake|title=Another Cuomo noninterference story falls apart|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/05/another-cuomo-noninterference-story-falls-apart-049022|access-date=August 22, 2017|website=Politico|date=September 2, 2014 |archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822093453/http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/05/another-cuomo-noninterference-story-falls-apart-049022|url-status=live}} He has been accused of failing to bridge the rift between the IDC and the Democratic caucus in the Senate.{{cite news|last1=Goldmacher|first1=Shane|date=August 9, 2017|title=Tensions Flare as Cuomo Confronts Democratic Rift|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/09/nyregion/cuomo-stewart-cousins-new-york-senate-democrats.html|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814191342/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/09/nyregion/cuomo-stewart-cousins-new-york-senate-democrats.html|url-status=live}}

File:Bill Clinton, Bob Castelli, Andrew Cuomo.JPG (center left) in 2012]]

There was media speculation about a possible presidential run, either in 2016 or 2020.{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57765.html |title=Andrew Cuomo 2016 speculation heating up |first1=Edward-Isaac |last1=Dovere |first2=Maggie |last2=Haberman |website=Politico |date=June 25, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330042125/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57765.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Cuomo jumpstarts 2016 speculation |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/national/politico/article/Cuomo-jumpstarts-2016-speculation-1440448.php |date=June 25, 2011 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=January 15, 2012 |archive-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318063235/http://www.seattlepi.com/national/politico/article/Cuomo-jumpstarts-2016-speculation-1440448.php |url-status=live }} Several reports indicated that Cuomo supported the Independent Democratic Conference until its dissolution and defeat in 2018 in part to appear more moderate for an eventual presidential bid.{{cite news |title=Another Cuomo noninterference story falls apart |publisher=Politico |last=Zeff |first=Blake |date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=January 18, 2018 |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/05/another-cuomo-noninterference-story-falls-apart-049022 |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230161750/https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/05/another-cuomo-noninterference-story-falls-apart-049022 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.vox.com/2018/9/13/17854554/andrew-cuomo-new-york-president-2020-no |title=Andrew Cuomo has won himself another term, but his presidential aspirations are dead |first=Matthew |last=Yglesias |publisher=Vox|date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2019 |archive-date=January 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119174347/https://www.vox.com/2018/9/13/17854554/andrew-cuomo-new-york-president-2020-no |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://theintercept.com/2018/09/13/new-york-democratic-primary-cuomo-idc/ |first=Eoin |last=Higgins |date=September 13, 2018 |title=A group of Democrats joined Republicans to give them power in New York. On Election Day, New Yorkers wiped them out. |access-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120144146/https://theintercept.com/2018/09/13/new-york-democratic-primary-cuomo-idc/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |publisher=The New Republic |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/142670/andrew-cuomo-profits-republican-senate |title=How Andrew Cuomo Profits From a Republican Senate |first1=Alex |last1=Shephard |first2=Clio |last2=Chang |date=May 12, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-date=January 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093928/https://newrepublic.com/article/142670/andrew-cuomo-profits-republican-senate |url-status=live }} Cuomo denied these allegations, and in 2018 was responsible for reuniting the IDC with the mainstream Democratic conference.{{cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/politics-on-the-hudson/2018/04/04/andrew-cuomo-turns-against-senate-gop/484349002/|title=NY's fractured Senate Democrats strike peace deal|publisher=lohud|date=April 4, 2018|accessdate=July 11, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/04/politics/new-york-democrats-governor-cuomo-idc-nixon/index.html|title=Cuomo pushes to reunite party as Nixon challenge grows|publisher=CNN|date=April 4, 2018|accessdate=July 11, 2024}}

For his 2018 re-election bid, Cuomo accepted being on top of the ballot line for the Independence Party, a list that featured numerous Republicans, including ardent Trump supporters.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/01/nyregion/cuomo-independence-line-ballot-governor-election.html |title=Third-Party Line Will Feature Governor Cuomo, and a Slew of Republicans |newspaper=The New York Times |date=August 2018 |access-date=August 1, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802042653/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/01/nyregion/cuomo-independence-line-ballot-governor-election.html |url-status=live |last1=McKinley |first1=Jesse }}

In an August 15, 2018, anti-sex trafficking bill-signing event, Cuomo said: "We're not gonna make America great again. It was never that great. We have not reached greatness. We will reach greatness when every American is fully engaged."{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/cuomo-america-was-never-that-great/ar-BBLYIOW?OCID=ansmsnnews11|title=Cuomo: America 'was never that great'|website=Msn.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816125808/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/cuomo-america-was-never-that-great/ar-BBLYIOW?OCID=ansmsnnews11|url-status=live}} The assembled audience of Cuomo's supporters booed.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-media-keep-falling-into-the-trump-trap-1534892905 |title=Opinion - The Media Keep Falling Into the Trump Trap |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |first=Jason L. |last=Riley |date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831000032/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-media-keep-falling-into-the-trump-trap-1534892905 |url-status=live }}

In a February 2019 opinion poll, Cuomo's approval rating dropped to 43 percent, the lowest of his tenure as governor, and a full 50% said they disapproved.[https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2019/02/11/andrew-cuomos-popularity-hits-low-poll-siena-abortion-new-york/2833906002/ Gov. Andrew Cuomo's popularity hits new low, poll says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331091603/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2019/02/11/andrew-cuomos-popularity-hits-low-poll-siena-abortion-new-york/2833906002/ |date=March 31, 2019 }} February 11, 2019. Democrat and Chronicle. The poll showed an eight-percent drop from January 2019; it was taken after Cuomo signed several pieces of progressive legislation, including an expansion of abortion rights and access and stricter gun laws, suggesting that the legislation may have upset certain voters and contributed to the drop; however, the majority of voters agreed with his position on both issues.[https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/11/nyregion/cuomo-siena-poll-approval-rating.html Cuomo's Approval Rating Drops to Lowest Level in 8 Years as Governor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212175342/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/11/nyregion/cuomo-siena-poll-approval-rating.html |date=February 12, 2019 }} February 11, 2019. The New York Times. By early 2020, Cuomo's favorability rating was up to 77 percent, a record high.{{cite web|url=https://scri.siena.edu/2020/04/27/coronavirus-pandemic-pushes-cuomo-to-record-high-ratings-voters-trust-cuomo-over-trump-on-ny-reopening-78-16/|title=Coronavirus Pandemic Pushes Cuomo to Record High Ratings; Voters Trust Cuomo over Trump on NY Reopening 78-16|publisher=Siena College Research Institute|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029175427/https://scri.siena.edu/2020/04/27/coronavirus-pandemic-pushes-cuomo-to-record-high-ratings-voters-trust-cuomo-over-trump-on-ny-reopening-78-16/|url-status=live}}

On his first day in office, Cuomo renewed an executive order signed by Eliot Spitzer which prohibited Governors of New York from receiving donations from gubernatorial appointees.{{Cite news|last1=Goldmacher|first1=Shane|last2=Rosenthal|first2=Brian M.|last3=Armendariz|first3=Agustin|date=February 24, 2018|title=In Spite of Executive Order, Cuomo Takes Campaign Money From State Appointees|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/24/nyregion/cuomo-fund-raising-ethics-appointees.html|access-date=February 24, 2018|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224193000/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/24/nyregion/cuomo-fund-raising-ethics-appointees.html|url-status=live}} A February 2018 investigation by The New York Times, however, revealed that the Cuomo administration had quietly reinterpreted the order, and that Cuomo had collected $890,000 from 24 of his appointees, as well as $1.3 million from the spouses, children and businesses of appointees. Some donations were made to Cuomo just days after the donor was appointed.

In March 2018, The New York Times reported that Cuomo had rewritten the disclaimer language on his campaign website for the executive order barring donations from appointees.{{Cite news|last1=Goldmacher|first1=Shane|last2=Rosenthal|first2=Brian M.|date=March 29, 2018|title=Cuomo, in Writing, Reinterprets Fund-Raising Ban on Appointees|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/29/nyregion/cuomo-appointee-donations-campaign-finance.html|access-date=March 30, 2018|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329225155/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/29/nyregion/cuomo-appointee-donations-campaign-finance.html|url-status=live}} The website added two caveats whereby some gubernatorial appointees are allowed to donate to the governor, which The Times said could potentially lead to more donations from appointees to the governor. The Cuomo campaign returned a $2,500 donation from one appointee who was in violation of the new disclaimer, but retained approximately $890,000 raised from other appointees.

From the time of Utah governor Gary Herbert's retirement on January 4, 2021, until his resignation on August 23, 2021, Cuomo was the longest-serving governor in the United States still in position, with 3,887 days in office.

Cuomo has supported providing tax and other incentives to attract business to locate in New York State.{{cite web| url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-launches-new-york-open-business-marketing-initiative| title=Governor Cuomo Launches "New York Open for Business" Marketing Initiative| date=August 24, 2011| website=Governor.ny.gov| access-date=November 1, 2020| archive-date=October 29, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029183848/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-launches-new-york-open-business-marketing-initiative| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/morning_call/2015/08/cuomo-says-ny-tax-incentives-are-a-necessity.html| title=Cuomo says New York tax incentives are a necessity for attracting businesses| last=French| first=Marie J.| date=August 5, 2015| publisher=Albany Business Review| access-date=November 1, 2020| archive-date=March 4, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304110133/https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/morning_call/2015/08/cuomo-says-ny-tax-incentives-are-a-necessity.html| url-status=live}} {{anchor|Amazon Cuomo}} He even joked in 2018 that he would be willing to change his name to "Amazon Cuomo" if Amazon located their "Amazon HQ2" in the state.{{cite web| url=https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-governor-jokes-amazon-cuomo-name-change-hq2-2018-11| work=Business Insider| title=New York's governor jokes he'll change his name to 'Amazon Cuomo' to win the HQ2 bid hours before a report that New York City will be home to one of the company's new headquarters| access-date=November 13, 2018| archive-date=November 13, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113210731/https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-governor-jokes-amazon-cuomo-name-change-hq2-2018-11| url-status=live}} His strong support for New York City's bid to become the home of Amazon's HQ2 faced criticism based on arguments that the costs to the state outweighed the possible benefits.{{cite web| url=http://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-tax-incentives-hidden-costs-business-friendly-policies.html| title=Tax Incentives' Bipartisan Folly| access-date=November 13, 2018| website=Governing.com| date=September 20, 2018| archive-date=November 13, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113210532/http://www.governing.com/gov-institute/voices/col-tax-incentives-hidden-costs-business-friendly-policies.html| url-status=live}} Amazon decided on two "major corporate outposts", in New York City and Arlington, Virginia, instead of a single second headquarters,{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/13/technology/amazon-hq2-headquarters.html| title=Amazon Announces New York and Virginia as HQ2 Picks| work=The New York Times| date=November 13, 2018| access-date=November 13, 2018| last1=Weise| first1=Karen| last2=Goodman| first2=J. David| archive-date=November 13, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113151624/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/13/technology/amazon-hq2-headquarters.html| url-status=live}} before bowing out of the former under local pressure.

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state)}}

File:Joe Biden and Kamala Harris meet with Governors and Mayors in the Oval Office of the White House Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.jpg Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and a bipartisan group of governors and mayors in 2021]]

On March 1, 2020, Cuomo issued a statement regarding novel coronavirus in New York wherein he mentioned the first positive case of novel coronavirus in New York State.{{cite web|date=March 1, 2020|title=Governor Cuomo Issues Statement Regarding Novel Coronavirus in New York|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-statement-regarding-novel-coronavirus-new-york|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo|language=en|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118233812/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-statement-regarding-novel-coronavirus-new-york|url-status=live}} On March 2, 2020, Cuomo said that community transmission of the new coronavirus is "inevitable".{{cite web|last=Feuer|first=Will|date=March 2, 2020|title=New York Gov. Cuomo says community transmission of coronavirus is 'inevitable' after confirming state's first case|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/02/new-york-gov-cuomo-says-community-spread-of-coronavirus-is-inevitable.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127110142/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/02/new-york-gov-cuomo-says-community-spread-of-coronavirus-is-inevitable.html|url-status=live}} He also mentioned New York City's plans to aggressively ramp up diagnostic testing for the new virus and said that he would like to see New York City conducting "1,000 tests per day". He announced the "world-renowned" Wadsworth Center was partnering with hospitals to expand surge testing capacity to "1,000 tests per day statewide" for the novel coronavirus. On March 3, 2020, Cuomo signed a $40 million emergency management authorization for coronavirus response and claimed that "New York's overall risk remained low".{{cite web|date=March 3, 2020|title=During Coronavirus Briefing, Governor Cuomo Signs $40 Million Emergency Management Authorization for Coronavirus Response|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/during-coronavirus-briefing-governor-cuomo-signs-40-million-emergency-management-authorization|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo|language=en|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119105424/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/during-coronavirus-briefing-governor-cuomo-signs-40-million-emergency-management-authorization|url-status=live}} He also announced the institution of a new cleaning protocol at schools and in the public transportation system "to help stop any potential spread of the virus". On March 4, 2020, Cuomo confirmed nine new cases in the state and said that it was "literally like trying to stop air" and that it was inevitable that it would continue to spread.{{cite web|last=Feuer|first=Berkeley Lovelace Jr, Noah Higgins-Dunn, Will|date=March 4, 2020|title=NY Gov. Cuomo confirms 5 new cases of coronavirus: 'This is literally like trying to stop air'|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/04/ny-gov-cuomo-confirms-5-new-cases-of-coronavirus-bringing-the-state-total-to-11.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=March 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304234936/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/04/ny-gov-cuomo-confirms-5-new-cases-of-coronavirus-bringing-the-state-total-to-11.html|url-status=live}}

On March 6, 2020, Cuomo criticized the federal government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, calling it "absurd and nonsensical".{{cite web|last=Feuer|first=Will|date=March 6, 2020|title=New York Gov. Cuomo slams CDC coronavirus response: 'Absurd and nonsensical'|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/06/new-york-gov-cuomo-slams-cdc-coronavirus-response-absurd-and-nonsensical.html|access-date=November 19, 2020|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125111543/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/06/new-york-gov-cuomo-slams-cdc-coronavirus-response-absurd-and-nonsensical.html|url-status=live}}

Early in the coronavirus response efforts, Cuomo received widespread praise from epidemiologists for his handling of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in New York State, including a statewide lockdown and a shutdown of nonessential businesses in an effort to help flatten the curve of the virus. At the same time, however, Cuomo also received criticism for failing to grasp the gravity of the pandemic before its risks were fully visible to the American public.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/coronavirus-crisis-cuomo-trump-show-leadership-contrast-n1166066|title=In coronavirus crisis, Cuomo and Trump show contrast in leadership|website=NBC News|date=March 22, 2020 |language=en|access-date=March 23, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323033656/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/coronavirus-crisis-cuomo-trump-show-leadership-contrast-n1166066|url-status=live}}{{Cite news| last1 = Sexton| first1 = Joe| last2 = Sapien| first2 = Joaquin| title = Two Coasts. One Virus. How New York Suffered Nearly 10 Times the Number of Deaths as California.| work = ProPublica| access-date = May 17, 2020| date = May 16, 2020| url = https://www.propublica.org/article/two-coasts-one-virus-how-new-york-suffered-nearly-10-times-the-number-of-deaths-as-california| archive-date = May 16, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200516203627/https://www.propublica.org/article/two-coasts-one-virus-how-new-york-suffered-nearly-10-times-the-number-of-deaths-as-california| url-status = live}}

On March 28, 2020, Cuomo threatened Rhode Island with a lawsuit over a state quarantine policy enforcing quarantine on arriving New Yorkers.{{cite news |title=Cuomo threatens to sue RI over new policy to find New Yorkers in the state |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/490019-cuomo-threatens-to-sue-ri-over-new-coronavirus-policy-targeting-ny |work=The Hill |date=March 28, 2020 |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021231701/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/490019-cuomo-threatens-to-sue-ri-over-new-coronavirus-policy-targeting-ny |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Cuomo threatens to sue Rhode Island if it doesn't ease up on New Yorkers during coronavirus pandemic |url=https://theweek.com/speedreads/905509/cuomo-threatens-sue-rhode-island-doesnt-ease-new-yorkers-during-coronavirus-pandemic |work=The Week |date=March 28, 2020 |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329132008/https://theweek.com/speedreads/905509/cuomo-threatens-sue-rhode-island-doesnt-ease-new-yorkers-during-coronavirus-pandemic |url-status=live }}

In the spring of 2020, social media posters and television hosts such as Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and Ellen DeGeneres came up with the term "Cuomosexuals" to express admiration and love for the governor and his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, related to their leadership roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-04-28/andrew-cuomo-sexual-ellen-degeneres-youtube |title=Gov. Andrew Cuomo approves of people who identify as 'Cuomosexuals |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 28, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305040555/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-04-28/andrew-cuomo-sexual-ellen-degeneres-youtube |url-status=live }}

In June 2021, Cuomo lifted COVID-19 restrictions, following the news that 70% of adults had one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.{{cite web|last=Mendez|first=Rich|date=June 15, 2021|title=New York lifts most Covid restrictions 'effective immediately' now that 70% of adults have at least one vaccine shot|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/15/new-york-will-lift-most-covid-restrictions-after-70percent-of-adults-vaccinated.html|access-date=June 15, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=June 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615163429/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/15/new-york-will-lift-most-covid-restrictions-after-70percent-of-adults-vaccinated.html|url-status=live}}

Between July and August 2020, it was alleged that Cuomo utilized state resources and property, including assigning work by Executive Chamber government staffers to compile materials and perform frequent work on the drafting of his book on a non-voluntary basis.{{cite web|last=& Wardwell LLP|first=Davis Polk|title=Impeachment Investigation Report to Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine and the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee|url=https://nyassembly.gov/write/upload/postings/2021/pdfs/20211122_99809a.pdf|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=nyassembly.gov|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123012410/https://nyassembly.gov/write/upload/postings/2021/pdfs/20211122_99809a.pdf|url-status=live}} In October 2020, Cuomo published his book, American Crisis, proclaiming victory against the pandemic due to his leadership. He wrote that New York "confronted and defeated" the virus, although the state had the highest per capita hospitalization rate in the country by February 2021.{{cite web|last=Legum|first=Judd|title=The truth about Cuomo|url=https://popular.info/p/the-truth-about-cuomo|access-date=February 16, 2021|website=popular.info|archive-date=February 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216114013/https://popular.info/p/the-truth-about-cuomo|url-status=live}} Cuomo was paid more than $5 million to write the book.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/17/nyregion/cuomo-tax-returns-pandemic-book.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/17/nyregion/cuomo-tax-returns-pandemic-book.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Cuomo Set to Receive $5.1 Million From Pandemic Book Deal|first1=J. David|last1=Goodman|first2=Alexandra|last2=Alter|first3=Rachel|last3=Abrams|first4=Luis|last4=Ferré-Sadurní|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 17, 2021}}{{cbignore}}

In November 2020, Cuomo received the International Emmy Founders Award from the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his coronavirus briefings.{{cite web | title=Andrew Cuomo To Receive International Emmy For 'Masterful' COVID-19 Briefings | website=NPR.org | date=November 21, 2020 | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/11/21/937445923/andrew-cuomo-to-receive-international-emmy-for-masterful-covid-19-briefings | access-date=February 13, 2021 | archive-date=February 12, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212185859/https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/11/21/937445923/andrew-cuomo-to-receive-international-emmy-for-masterful-covid-19-briefings | url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=2020 INTERNATIONAL EMMY® WINNERS ANNOUNCED LIVE AT CEREMONY HELD FROM NEW YORK CITY |url=https://www.iemmys.tv/2020-international-emmy-winners-announced-live-at-ceremony-held-from-new-york-city/ |publisher=International Academy |access-date=August 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411044316/https://www.iemmys.tv/2020-international-emmy-winners-announced-live-at-ceremony-held-from-new-york-city/ |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |quote=Bruce Paisner presented Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York with the 2020 International Emmy Founders Award for his exceptional use of television for Public service during the Covid-19 pandemic. Joining him were fellow New Yorkers Billy Joel, Billy Crystal, Robert De Niro, Rosie Perez and Ben Stiller, who recorded special congratulatory messages.}} On August 24, 2021, the morning after his departure, the academy rescinded the Emmy award due to the New York Attorney General's report on sexual harassment allegations against him.{{cite news |last=Schneider |first=Michael |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/international-emmys-andrew-cuomo-1235047784/ |title=International Emmys Takes Back Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Honorary Emmy Award |work=Variety |date=August 24, 2021 |accessdate=August 24, 2021 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824171637/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/international-emmys-andrew-cuomo-1235047784/ |url-status=live }}

On December 14, 2021, Cuomo was ordered by the Joint Commission on Public Ethics to pay New York state $5.1 million in book profits he made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission reversed the prior approval after complaints that Cuomo used state resources, including personnel used to edit, write, prepare, and gather data to write "American Crisis". Cuomo was ordered to return proceeds from the book by January 13, 2022.{{cite news |last=Herbert |first=Geoff |url=https://www.syracuse.com/state/2021/12/andrew-cuomo-ordered-to-pay-back-51-million-in-book-profits-to-state.html |title=Andrew Cuomo ordered to pay back $5.1 million in book profits to state | publisher=Advance Local |work=Syracuse.com |date=2021-12-14 |accessdate=2021-12-14 |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214193143/https://www.syracuse.com/state/2021/12/andrew-cuomo-ordered-to-pay-back-51-million-in-book-profits-to-state.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|date=2021-12-15|title=Ethics Commission Orders Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to Return Earnings From Pandemic Book Deal - December 15, 2021|url=https://dailynewsbrief.com/2021/12/15/ethics-commission-orders-former-new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-to-return-earnings-from-pandemic-book-deal/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=The Daily News Brief|language=en-US|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215005113/https://dailynewsbrief.com/2021/12/15/ethics-commission-orders-former-new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-to-return-earnings-from-pandemic-book-deal/|url-status=live}} Cuomo denied these claims and sued the joint commission on public ethics alleging they acted improperly. In August 2022 the state appellate court upheld a lower court decision finding that New York's current ethics watchdog commission was unconstitutional. Cuomo won the lawsuit and was permitted to keep the proceeds from the sale of the book.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/16/nyregion/cuomo-covid-book-money.html|title=Cuomo Can Keep $5.1 Million in Covid Book Money, Judge Says - Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo prevailed in his lawsuit against a state ethics panel, which had sought to force him to turn over the proceeds|publisher=NY Times|date=August 8, 2022 |accessdate=July 11, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2024/05/10/andrew-cuomo-wins-court-battle-over-5m-covid-book-deal/73640338007/|title=Cuomo can keep $5M payment for pandemic book after latest court win|publisher=Democrat and Chronicle|date=May 10, 2024 |accessdate=July 11, 2024}}

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in his state, nine state health officials resigned, reportedly in response to Cuomo's policies. In a press conference on January 29, 2021, Cuomo stated that he did not trust the expertise of health officials.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/nyregion/cuomo-health-department-officials-quit.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/nyregion/cuomo-health-department-officials-quit.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=9 Top N.Y. Health Officials Have Quit as Cuomo Scorns Expertise|date=February 1, 2020|work=New York Times|last1=Goodman|first1=J. David|last2=Goldstein|first2=Joseph|last3=McKinley|first3=Jesse}}{{cbignore}}

In August 2017, the Cuomo administration awarded more than $7 million, financed with money from large bank settlements, in grants to New York colleges to offer courses to New York prisoners.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/06/nyregion/cuomo-to-give-colleges-7-million-for-courses-in-prisons.html|title=Cuomo to Give Colleges $7 Million for Courses in Prisons|last=McKinley|first=Jesse|date=August 6, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 9, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109235457/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/06/nyregion/cuomo-to-give-colleges-7-million-for-courses-in-prisons.html|url-status=live}} In January 2018, Cuomo proposed reforms that would "reduce delays during trials, ban asset seizures in cases where there has been no conviction and make it easier for former convicts to get a job after leaving prison".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/nyregion/cuomo-ending-cash-bail-state-of-the-state.html|title=Cuomo, in Bid to Help Poor, Proposes Ending Cash Bail for Minor Crimes|last=McKinley| first=James C. Jr. |date=2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 8, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107231756/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/nyregion/cuomo-ending-cash-bail-state-of-the-state.html|url-status=live}} He also called for an end to cash bail for minor crimes.

Under Cuomo's tenure, he granted commutations to fewer prisoners than many previous Republican and Democratic New York governors.{{Cite news|url=https://theappeal.org/cuomo-the-merciless/|title=Cuomo the Merciless|work=The Appeal|access-date=July 9, 2018|language=en|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710040903/https://theappeal.org/cuomo-the-merciless/|url-status=live}} Cuomo commuted a total of nine sentences. Cuomo pardoned 140 adults who were convicted of nonviolent felonies as 16- and 17-year-olds, but had served their sentences. He pardoned 18 others who had served their sentences for nonviolent felonies but were exposed to deportation due to their criminal record.

File:Andrew Cuomo at March For Our Lives rally.jpg rally]]

In 2017, Cuomo announced that the Indian Point nuclear plant, which produced one quarter of New York City's power, would be phased out. As a result of the phaseout, the carbon-free power generated by the plant was replaced by power generated by carbon-generating fossil fuels. As a consequence, New York was estimated to struggle to meet its climate goals.{{Cite news|last=McGeehan|first=Patrick|date=April 12, 2021|title=Indian Point Is Shutting Down. That Means More Fossil Fuel.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/12/nyregion/indian-point-power-plant-closing.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412090750/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/12/nyregion/indian-point-power-plant-closing.html |archive-date=2021-04-12 |url-access=limited|access-date=April 14, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}

On January 15, 2013, Cuomo signed into law the first state gun control bill to pass after the December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in neighboring Connecticut.{{cite news |last=Glaser |first=Howard |date=January 15, 2013 |title=Cuomo Gun Safety Legislation Passes NY State Senate With Bipartisan Support, Assembly Action Today |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-glaser/cuomo-gun-safety-legislation_b_2476419.html |work=HuffPost |access-date=January 25, 2013 |archive-date=January 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118215739/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/howard-glaser/cuomo-gun-safety-legislation_b_2476419.html |url-status=live }} The NY SAFE Act was described as the toughest gun control law in the United States.{{cite news |last=Walshe |first=Shushannah |date=January 15, 2013 |title=New York Passes Nation's Toughest Gun-Control Law |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/york-state-passes-toughest-gun-control-law-nation/story?id=18224091 |access-date=January 16, 2013 |work=ABC News |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116103507/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/york-state-passes-toughest-gun-control-law-nation/story?id=18224091 |url-status=live }} The act came under criticism, and the National Rifle Association called it draconian. The New York State Sheriffs' Association issued a statement supporting tougher penalties for illegal use of firearms but criticizing several aspects of the legislation, including a magazine limit of seven rounds and a "too broad" definition of assault weapons.{{cite news|title=Sheriff's response to NY SAFE Act |url=http://www.nysheriffs.org/articles/sheriffs%E2%80%99-response-ny-safe-act |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129224050/http://www.nysheriffs.org/articles/sheriffs%E2%80%99-response-ny-safe-act |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |publisher=New York State Sheriff's Association }}

On July 5, 2013, Cuomo signed an amendment to the NY SAFE Act that exempts retired police officers from some of the act's ownership restrictions.{{cite news |last=Weaver |first=Teri |date=July 15, 2013 |title=Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs amendment to NY Safe Act allowing exceptions for retired police |url=http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/gov_andrew_cuomo_signs_amendment_to_ny_safe_act_allowing_exceptions_for_retired.html |newspaper=The Post-Standard |location=Syracuse, New York |access-date=July 8, 2013 |archive-date=July 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710184712/http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/gov_andrew_cuomo_signs_amendment_to_ny_safe_act_allowing_exceptions_for_retired.html |url-status=live }}

On April 2, 2018, Cuomo announced the passage of new legislation that prevents those who have been convicted of domestic violence from possessing any kind of firearms as well as losing their gun license.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/york-passes-legislation-prevent-domestic-abusers-possessing-guns/story?id=54183562|title=New York passes legislation to prevent domestic abusers from possessing guns - Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the legislation "common sense reform" by Catherine Thorbecke|publisher=ABC News |date=April 2, 2018|accessdate=July 16, 2024}}

On February 25, 2019, Cuomo signed the "red flag" gun protection law, allowing a court to temporarily prohibit someone from buying or possessing a gun if they are deemed a threat to themselves or others.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/25/us/cuomo-pelosi-red-flag-gun-protection-law/index.html|title=New York's governor, joined by Nancy Pelosi, signs 'red flag' gun protection law by Laura Ly|publisher=CNN |date=February 25, 2019|accessdate=July 16, 2024}}

On July 30, 2019, Cuomo signed two laws banning the manufacture and sale of 3D printed guns and the other requiring safe storage of firearms when children younger than 16 years of age live in a gun owner's home.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2019/07/30/cuomo-signs-laws-to-ban-3d-printed-guns/|title=Cuomo signs laws to ban 3D-printed guns by Bernadette Hogan|publisher=NY Post |date=July 30, 2019|accessdate=July 16, 2024}}

On July 7, 2021, Cuomo declared the first 'disaster emergency' in the United States on gun crime for New York.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/new-york-declares-uss-first-disaster-emergency-on-gun-crime-as-shooting-deaths-overtake-covid-12350631|title=New York declares US's first 'disaster emergency' on gun crime as shooting deaths overtake COVID|website=Sky News|access-date=July 7, 2021|archive-date=July 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707103730/https://news.sky.com/story/new-york-declares-uss-first-disaster-emergency-on-gun-crime-as-shooting-deaths-overtake-covid-12350631|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/new-york-gun-violence-emergency-shootings-july-4-weekend-b944485.html|title = New York declares gun violence emergency after 51 shot over weekend|date = July 7, 2021|access-date = July 7, 2021|archive-date = July 9, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210709192339/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/new-york-gun-violence-emergency-shootings-july-4-weekend-b944485.html|url-status = live}}

Cuomo also resisted repeated efforts by the Legislature to decriminalize the so-called "gravity knife," which had resulted in many arrests of individuals (disproportionately African-American and/or Hispanic) who used these folding knives for work, but not as weapons. Cuomo vetoed the first two attempts by the Legislature to decriminalize folding knives that could be opened with one hand by a "wrist-flick," but, on May 30, 2019, signed into law a repeal of the Penal Code provision that had listed the "gravity knife" as a prohibited weapon.{{cite web|title=Gravity Knives,' Which Led to Questionable Arrests, Are Now Legal|work=New York Times|date=May 31, 2019|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/31/nyregion/ny-gravity-knife-law.html}} Cuomo's memorandum on signing the repeal bill noted: "As I review this bill for a third time, the legal landscape has changed. In March of this year, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York declared the State's existing 'gravity knife' ban unconstitutional. As argued by many who have advocated for this change in law, the court reasoned that the existing law could result in arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement."{{cite web|title=Memorandum filed with Assembly Bill 5944|date=May 30, 2019|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2019_Chapter_34.pdf}} This was a reference to the case of Cracco v. Vance, a case decided by Judge Paul A. Crotty some two months earlier.{{cite web|title=Opinion and Order|date=March 27, 2019|url=https://kniferights.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Cracco_v_Vance.pdf}}

File:B&T 3604 (8139739680).jpg]]

After Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Cuomo allowed New York voters, via a specific provision aimed at accommodating those displaced, to cast provisional ballots for the 2012 election anywhere in the state.{{cite news |author1=David Halbfinger |author2=Thomas Kaplan |author3=Wendy Ruderman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/nyregion/after-hurricane-sandy-efforts-to-help-the-displaced-vote.html |title=Officials Rush to Find Ways for the Storm-Tossed to Vote |work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109095458/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/nyregion/after-hurricane-sandy-efforts-to-help-the-displaced-vote.html |url-status=live }} He also appointed a commission to examine the responses of New York utilities to damage caused by the storm.{{cite news |title=Suffering on Long Island as Power Agency Shows Its Flaws |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/nyregion/long-island-power-authoritys-flaws-hindered-recovery-efforts.html |work=The New York Times |date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=June 23, 2013 |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623124211/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/nyregion/long-island-power-authoritys-flaws-hindered-recovery-efforts.html |url-status=live }}

Controversy ensued when the Cuomo administration used $140 million, including $40 million of federal disaster relief funds, to pay for the broadcast of national TV ads promoting "New New York" slogans outside New York in an attempt to attract new business investment to the state.{{cite news|last=Hakim|first=Danny|title=Ad Effort Selling State as a Business Haven Is Criticized|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/04/nyregion/new-york-states-ads-to-attract-business-also-draw-complaints.html|access-date=June 4, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 3, 2013 |archive-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507131742/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/04/nyregion/new-york-states-ads-to-attract-business-also-draw-complaints.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Eliana|title=Andrew Cuomo Launches Ad Campaign to Lure Businesses to N.Y.|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/347489/andrew-cuomo-launches-ad-campaign-lure-businesses-ny|access-date=June 4, 2013|newspaper=The National Review|date=May 6, 2013|archive-date=May 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527100554/http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/347489/andrew-cuomo-launches-ad-campaign-lure-businesses-ny|url-status=live}} Many have been critical of the effort, including former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, who called the ads "fluff" and "a waste of taxpayer money".

File:CREDO Action & New Yorkers Against Fracking Protest Gov. Cuomo's Plan to Frack New York.jpg

In June 2012, the Cuomo administration said it was considering lifting a state ban on the practice of hydraulic fracturing (also known as "fracking"){{cite news|url=https://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/topic/fracking-2012-9/|title=Fracklash|work=New York Intelligencer|first=Jen|last=Schwartz|date=September 10, 2012|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=April 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414004717/http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/topic/fracking-2012-9/|url-status=live}} to stimulate the economy in upstate New York. But critics said that fracking upstate could contaminate the water supply of New York City, New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.{{cite web|url=http://nofracking.com/|title=Stop fracking, and save our water, land, and air!|date=September 16, 2014|publisher=nofracking.com|access-date=June 23, 2014|archive-date=May 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140507150655/http://nofracking.com/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/2014/02/18/hearing-on-ny-energy-plan-attracts-fracking-critics/5589917/|title=Hearing on NY energy plan attracts fracking critics|date=February 18, 2014|publisher=Democrat & Chronicle|author=Campbell, J.|access-date=June 23, 2014|archive-date=August 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809111544/http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/2014/02/18/hearing-on-ny-energy-plan-attracts-fracking-critics/5589917/|url-status=live}} Following a long-awaited study started years earlier, New York State health officials cited "significant public health risks" associated with fracking, and on December 17, 2014, the Cuomo administration announced a ban on hydraulic fracturing in New York State.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/nyregion/cuomo-to-ban-fracking-in-new-york-state-citing-health-risks.html|title=Citing Health Risks, Cuomo Bans Fracking in New York State|date=December 17, 2014|work=The New York Times|author=Kaplan, Thomas.|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206020235/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/nyregion/cuomo-to-ban-fracking-in-new-york-state-citing-health-risks.html|url-status=live}}

In solidarity with Israel, Cuomo announced an executive order against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Cuomo tweeted: "If you boycott Israel, New York State will boycott you."

In January 2014, Cuomo announced an executive order to allow the limited use of medical marijuana in New York.{{cite news |last1=Craig |first1=Susanne |last2=McKinley |first2=Jesse |title=New York State Is Set to Loosen Marijuana Laws |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/nyregion/new-york-state-is-set-to-loosen-marijuana-laws.html |access-date=September 14, 2015 |work=The New York Times |date=January 4, 2014 |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929001249/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/nyregion/new-york-state-is-set-to-loosen-marijuana-laws.html |url-status=live }} Later that year, a comprehensive bill to legalize medical cannabis was passed by the state legislature, containing some restrictions at Cuomo's insistence such as a ban on consumption by smoking.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Jon |title=Andrew Cuomo's changing position on marijuana: A timeline |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2018/05/25/andrew-cuomo-marijuana-timeline/632312002/ |access-date=June 8, 2021 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |date=May 25, 2018 |archive-date=March 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328115210/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2018/05/25/andrew-cuomo-marijuana-timeline/632312002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Jon |title=Cuomo signs New York's medical marijuana bill |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/07/cuomo-signs-medical-marijuana-bill/12323967/ |access-date=June 8, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=July 7, 2014 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609163602/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/07/cuomo-signs-medical-marijuana-bill/12323967/ |url-status=live }} On July 5, 2014, the Compassionate Care Act was signed into law by Governor Cuomo.{{cite news |last1=Ferrigno |first1=Lorenzo |last2=Assefa |first2=Haimy |title=New York legalizes medical marijuana |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/07/health/new-york-medical-marijuana/index.html |access-date=June 8, 2021 |work=CNN|date=July 7, 2014 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609163601/https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/07/health/new-york-medical-marijuana/index.html |url-status=live }}

In December 2018, Cuomo announced his support for legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, after previously stating his opposition and calling it a "gateway drug" as recently as February 2017. On March 31, 2021, recreational use of cannabis was officially legalized with the signing into law of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act by Governor Cuomo.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Shannon |title=Cuomo signs bill legalizing adult-use, recreational marijuana in New York |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/01/cuomo-signs-bill-legalizing-adult-use-recreational-marijuana-in-new-york-478839 |access-date=June 8, 2021 |work=Politico|date=April 1, 2021 |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609163601/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/01/cuomo-signs-bill-legalizing-adult-use-recreational-marijuana-in-new-york-478839 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2017 New York City transit crisis}}

File:Inaugural ride of the Second Avenue Subway (31193357844).jpg on December 31, 2016]]

In June 2017, after a series of subway disasters, Cuomo declared a "state of emergency" for the New York City Subway system.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/18/nyregion/new-york-subway-system-failure-delays.html|title=How Politics and Bad Decisions Starved New York's Subways|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Brian M.|date=November 18, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|last2=Fitzsimmons|first2=Emma G.|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=LaForgia|first3=Michael|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305191835/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/18/nyregion/new-york-subway-system-failure-delays.html|url-status=live}} According to The New York Times, a series of New York City mayors and New York governors, including Cuomo, were partly at fault for the worsening quality of the subway system and inflated construction costs. Under the Cuomo administration, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority repeatedly diverted tax revenues earmarked for the subways, paid for services that there was no need for and spent on subway projects that did not boost service or reliability. As a result, the MTA was saddled with debt and could not undertake investments into overhauling outdated and inefficient subway infrastructure. Cuomo also directed the MTA to spend on projects that the heads of the MTA did not consider to be priorities. One reason why the New York City subway system is so expensive is due to exorbitant labor costs; according to several M.T.A. officials who were involved in negotiating labor contracts, Cuomo pressured the MTA to accept labor union contracts that were extremely favorable to workers. The New York Times noted that Cuomo was closely aligned with the union in question and had received $165,000 in campaign contributions from it.

The New York Times reported, "Cuomo had steered clear of the M.T.A. during his first years in office, but in his second term he took an intense interest. He placed aides within the organization and, in an unusual move, made some report directly to him. He badgered transit leaders about the construction of the Second Avenue subway on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. And over the objections of some board members, he canceled several M.T.A. capital projects to make room for his own priorities. According to high-ranking current and former M.T.A. officials, the moves interfered with the authority's plans to address the rising delays."

On April 18, 2017, Cuomo signed the New York State 2018 fiscal year budget. It included the Excelsior Scholarship, a provision that families making less than $125,000 in 2019 could have free tuition at all SUNY and CUNY universities,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/11/nyregion/new-yorks-free-tuition-program-will-help-traditional-but-not-typical-students.html|title=New York's Free-Tuition Program Will Help Traditional, but Not Typical, Students|last=Chen|first=David W.|date=April 11, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 13, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413071828/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/11/nyregion/new-yorks-free-tuition-program-will-help-traditional-but-not-typical-students.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship|title=Tuition-Free Degree Program: The Excelsior Scholarship|date=December 27, 2016|work=Welcome to the State of New York|access-date=April 13, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413153223/https://www.ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship|url-status=live}} though some education experts including Sara Goldrick-Rab say it won't help the poorest students and that the requirement that recipients live and work in New York after graduating is counter-productive.{{Cite news|url=http://shakingnews.com/blog/2017/04/13/free-college-whats-catch-excelsior-scholarship/|title=Free College? What's the Catch with the Excelsior Scholarship? - ShakingNews|date=April 13, 2017|work=ShakingNews|access-date=April 25, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426063407/http://shakingnews.com/blog/2017/04/13/free-college-whats-catch-excelsior-scholarship/|url-status=live}}

On July 16, 2011, Cuomo finalized a five-year deal with the Public Employees Federation to end pay raises, implement furlough days, and require additional contributions to health insurance accounts.{{cite news|last=Kaplan|first=Thomas|title=Union Yields on Benefits in Deal With Cuomo|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/nyregion/to-save-jobs-union-approves-big-concessions-in-deal-with-cuomo.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 17, 2011|pages=A16|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319075821/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/nyregion/to-save-jobs-union-approves-big-concessions-in-deal-with-cuomo.html|url-status=live}} In an interview with The New York Times, he stated his top goal in 2012 is the reduction of public employee pensions.{{cite news|last1=Kaplan|first1=Thomas|last2=Barbaro|first2=Michael|title=Cuomo Says Curbing Public Pension Benefits Will Be His Top Goal in '12|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/nyregion/cuomo-says-he-wants-to-tackle-pension-changes-in-2012.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 14, 2011|pages=A20|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319074734/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/nyregion/cuomo-says-he-wants-to-tackle-pension-changes-in-2012.html|url-status=live}}

In the winter of 2018, Cuomo responded to a class-action lawsuit brought against the New York City Housing Authority by attorney Jim Walden on behalf of a group of public housing tenants. The suit was the first of its kind and called upon NYCHA to immediately address decrepit and unhealthy conditions in public housing units across New York City.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/27/nyregion/nycha-lawsuit-nyc-housing.html|title=Tenants Sue New York City Housing Authority: 'We Have Let Other People Speak for Us for Too Long'|last=Mays|first=Jeffery C.|date=February 27, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 10, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408011532/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/27/nyregion/nycha-lawsuit-nyc-housing.html|url-status=live}} By early April, Cuomo appointed an independent monitor to oversee NYCHA on an emergency basis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/02/nyregion/cuomo-nycha-state-of-emergency.html|title=Cuomo Creates Monitor to Oversee Repairs to City's Public Housing|last1=Ferré-Sadurní|first1=Luis|date=April 2, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 10, 2018|last2=Goodman|first2=J. David|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404065721/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/02/nyregion/cuomo-nycha-state-of-emergency.html|url-status=live}}

In a January 17, 2014, interview with Susan Arbetter on WCNY's The Capital Pressroom, Cuomo stated:

{{blockquote|[New York Republicans] are searching to define their soul, that's what's going on. Is the Republican party in this state a moderate party or is it an extreme conservative party? ... The Republican Party candidates are running against the SAFE Act{{snd}}it was voted for by moderate Republicans who run the Senate! Their problem is not me and the Democrats; their problem is themselves. Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that's who they are and they're the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that's not who New Yorkers are. If they're moderate Republicans like in the Senate right now, who control the Senate{{snd}}moderate Republicans have a place in their state. George Pataki was governor of this state as a moderate Republican, but not what you're hearing from them on the far right.{{cite web|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/203801/cuomo-extreme-conservatives-have-no-place-in-the-state-of-new-york/|title=Cuomo: 'Extreme conservatives ... have no place in the state of New York'|date=January 17, 2014|work=Capitol Confidential|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140121204056/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/203801/cuomo-extreme-conservatives-have-no-place-in-the-state-of-new-york/|url-status=live}}}}

This remark received a major reaction in the conservative media. Radio host Glenn Beck wrote a letter to the governor regarding the remarks from the interview.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/governor-cuomo-extreme-conservatives-have-no-place-in-new-york/|title=Governor Cuomo: 'Extreme Conservatives Have No Place In New York'|first=David|last=Freedlander|newspaper=The Daily Beast|date=April 14, 2017|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726025930/https://www.thedailybeast.com/governor-cuomo-extreme-conservatives-have-no-place-in-new-york/|url-status=live}} Fox News contributor and radio/TV show host Sean Hannity threatened to move out of the state with all of his assets if Cuomo did not apologize for his remarks.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2014/01/22/sean-hannity-really-leaving-new-york-after-gov-cuomos-anti-conservative-comments|title=Is Sean Hannity really leaving New York after Gov. Cuomo's anti-conservative comments? – OTR Interviews – On the Record|website=Fox News Channel|access-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701084404/http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2014/01/22/sean-hannity-really-leaving-new-york-after-gov-cuomos-anti-conservative-comments|archive-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=dead}} Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, the archbishop of New York, said during a radio broadcast that Cuomo's remarks were "most unfortunate at best. Are there pro-lifers who are extremist? Yes, there are. But I think they are a distinct minority."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/nyregion/cuomo-comment-elicits-retort-from-republicans.html|title=Comment by Cuomo outrages Republicans|date=January 22, 2014|first=Jesse|last=McKinley|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=March 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301141019/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/nyregion/cuomo-comment-elicits-retort-from-republicans.html|url-status=live}}

The New York State Democratic Committee, which is headed by Cuomo, supported his remarks and reiterated them in a May 2014 statement responding to a speech by Rob Astorino, who was running against him in the 2014 gubernatorial election: "Tea Party Republicans have done enough damage in Washington, today's speech made it abundantly clear that we don't need them here in New York."Reisman, Nick (May 15, 2014). [http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/05/democrats-blast-astorino-speech/ Democrats blast Astorino speech] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517152425/http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2014/05/democrats-blast-astorino-speech/ |date=May 17, 2014 }}. Time Warner Cable News. Retrieved May 15, 2014.

File:Andrew Cuomo 2013.jpg in 2013]]

In keeping with a campaign promise, Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act, introducing same-sex marriage, on June 24, 2011, following an "intense public and private lobbying campaign", and later called for all states to do the same.{{cite news |first=Reid |last=Epstein |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57749.html |title=Cuomo signs New York gay marriage bill |work=Politico |date=June 24, 2011 |access-date=July 6, 2011 |archive-date=December 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229044304/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57749.html |url-status=live }} Cuomo was lauded for his efforts to pass same-sex marriage legislation.{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/gov-andrew-cuomo-honored-empire-state-pride-agenda-key-gay-marriage-figures-missing-article-1.967831 | location=New York | work=New York Daily News | title=Gossip | access-date=January 15, 2012 | archive-date=December 28, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228194033/http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/gov-andrew-cuomo-honored-empire-state-pride-agenda-key-gay-marriage-figures-missing-article-1.967831 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/nyregion/cuomo-fund-fills-with-money-from-thankful-gay-donors.html | newspaper=The New York Times | first=Thomas | last=Kaplan | title=Cuomo Fund Fills With Money From Thankful Gay Donors | date=December 1, 2011 | access-date=February 5, 2017 | archive-date=July 26, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726100025/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/nyregion/cuomo-fund-fills-with-money-from-thankful-gay-donors.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/nyregion/gov-andrew-m-cuomo-calls-for-same-sex-marriage-in-all-states.html | newspaper=The New York Times | first=Thomas | last=Kaplan | title=Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Calls for Same-Sex Marriage in All States | date=October 27, 2011 | access-date=February 5, 2017 | archive-date=March 19, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319045643/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/nyregion/gov-andrew-m-cuomo-calls-for-same-sex-marriage-in-all-states.html | url-status=live }} One prominent advocate stated that for gay Americans, Cuomo was "the only national politician with hero status". Following the passage of the Act, Cuomo was criticized for describing the viewpoints of opponents as "anti-American".{{cite news |first=Julie |last=Bolcer |url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/10/25/Gay_Marriage_Opponents_Want_Apology_from_Cuomo/ |title=Gay Marriage Opponents Want Apology from Cuomo |work=The Advocate |date=October 25, 2011 |access-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229053835/http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/10/25/Gay_Marriage_Opponents_Want_Apology_from_Cuomo/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/12/09/burling-cuomo-doesnt-scare-me/ |title=Burling: Cuomo "Doesn't Scare Me" | Politics on the Hudson |publisher=Polhudson.lohudblogs.com |date=December 9, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203202227/http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/12/09/burling-cuomo-doesnt-scare-me/ |url-status=live }} On July 25, 2011, a lawsuit was filed in the New York Supreme Court seeking an injunction against the Act, alleging corruption and violations of the law in the process of passing the bill.{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/25/new.york.gay.marriage.lawsuit/ |title=Lawsuit filed over New York same-sex marriage law |publisher=CNN|date=July 25, 2011 |access-date=December 5, 2011 |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110093908/http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/25/new.york.gay.marriage.lawsuit/ |url-status=live }} The trial court initially held that the plaintiffs' case could proceed, but the decision was reversed on appeal.[https://www.leagle.com/decision/innyco20120706277 New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms v. New York State Senate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322155908/https://www.leagle.com/decision/innyco20120706277 |date=March 22, 2020 }}, 98 A.D.3d 285, 297, 948 N.Y.S.2d 787, 797 leave to appeal denied, 19 N.Y.3d 814, 979 N.E.2d 813 (2012)

Cuomo ordered a boycott of Indiana and North Carolina to protest their legislation on LGBT issues.{{cite news|title=In Case Brought by School Speech Pathologist, Texas Federal Court Becomes the Third to Strike Down Pro-Israel Oath as Unconstitutional|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/04/26/in-case-brought-by-school-speech-pathologist-texas-federal-court-becomes-the-third-to-strike-down-pro-israel-oath-as-unconstitutional/|work=The Intercept|first=Glenn|last=Greenwald|authorlink=Glenn Greenwald|date=April 16, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610020902/https://theintercept.com/2019/04/26/in-case-brought-by-school-speech-pathologist-texas-federal-court-becomes-the-third-to-strike-down-pro-israel-oath-as-unconstitutional/|url-status=live}}

In July 2016, the Empire State Development Corporation, a state agency, released a report indicating that the state's flagship business tax incentive program, called Start-Up NY, had generated 408 jobs since its inception in 2014. Ads promoting the program had cost at least $53 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/2015/04/07/watchdog-start-ny-ads-cost-taxpayers/25429449/|title=Watchdog: Start-Up NY ads cost taxpayers $53M|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103100435/http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/2015/04/07/watchdog-start-ny-ads-cost-taxpayers/25429449/|url-status=live}} The Start-Up NY annual report was delayed three months in 2016, leading some lawmakers, such as Assemblyman Schimminger, to call the delays "curious".{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/08/cuomos-economic-development-chief-defiantly-faces-down-start-up-ny-questions-104467|title=Cuomo economic development chief responds defiantly to Start-Up NY questions|website=Politico|date=August 3, 2016 |access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-date=September 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908231329/http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/08/cuomos-economic-development-chief-defiantly-faces-down-start-up-ny-questions-104467|url-status=live}}

{{update section|date=May 2020}}

Cuomo was praised for his 2011 restructuring of the New York State tax code.{{cite web |url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/93839/tax-code-agreement-react-o-mat/ |title=Capitol Confidential » Tax code agreement React-O-Mat |publisher=Blog.timesunion.com |date=December 6, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918232509/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/93839/tax-code-agreement-react-o-mat/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.norwoodnews.org/id=5056&story=bronx-pols-get-behind-cuomos-tax-plan/ |title=Bronx Pols Get Behind Cuomo's Tax Plan |publisher=Norwood News |date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=May 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522105402/http://www.norwoodnews.org/id%3D5056%26story%3Dbronx-pols-get-behind-cuomos-tax-plan/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/governor_andrew_cuomo_hears_ho.html |title=Governor Andrew Cuomo hears hosannas for New York deal on tax reform |date=December 8, 2011 |publisher=SILive.com |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=February 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201052844/http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/governor_andrew_cuomo_hears_ho.html |url-status=live }} He was also criticized for allegedly requesting a unanimous Assembly vote in favor of the proposal and threatening to campaign against Assembly members who voted "no"{{cite news |last=Vielkind |first=Jimmy |url=http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Governor-to-Assembly-GOP-Vote-for-tax-code-2391075.php |title=Governor to Assembly GOP: Vote for tax code unanimously or risk seats |newspaper=Times Union |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=April 5, 2012 |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115174836/http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Governor-to-Assembly-GOP-Vote-for-tax-code-2391075.php |url-status=live }} – a charge he denied. Cuomo also received criticism from voices on the left who felt that the tax reform was insufficient.{{cite news |first=Thomas |last=Kaplan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/nyregion/cuomo-and-legislative-leaders-agree-on-tax-deal.html |title=Albany Tax Deal to Raise Rate for Highest Earners |work=The New York Times |date=December 6, 2011 |access-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224160939/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/nyregion/cuomo-and-legislative-leaders-agree-on-tax-deal.html |url-status=live }} Hoping that the Federal cap on state and local tax deductions will be repealed, Cuomo signed a tax increase on high income workers and corporations and the wealthy worth over one million dollars in 2021. The increase extends until the year 2027.{{cite web | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/08/new-york-is-raising-taxes-for-millionaires-will-other-states-follow.html | title=New York is raising taxes for millionaires. Will other states follow? | website=CNBC | date=April 8, 2021 }}

In April 2018, Cuomo announced that he would restore the voting rights of parolees through an executive order.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/nyregion/felons-pardon-voting-rights-cuomo.html|title=Cuomo Plans to Restore Voting Rights to Paroled Felons|last=Wang|first=Vivian|date=April 18, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 18, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418184139/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/18/nyregion/felons-pardon-voting-rights-cuomo.html|url-status=live}} He said that he would consider restoring the voting rights of all parolees (more than 35,000), and would also enfranchise new parolees throughout his term.

In 2013, Cuomo called for the passage of a Women's Equality Act.{{cite web |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/transcript-governor-andrew-m-cuomos-2013-state-state-address |title=Transcript of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's 2013 State of the State Address |access-date=January 6, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107174903/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/transcript-governor-andrew-m-cuomos-2013-state-state-address |url-status=live }} The Women's Equality Act included 10 component bills affecting issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and pregnancy discrimination. The tenth bill of the Women's Equality Act was the Reproductive Health Act,{{cite web | url=https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2013/s438 | title=Reproductive Health Act | newspaper=NY State Senate | date=October 3, 2015 | access-date=January 6, 2018 | archive-date=January 7, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107120239/https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2013/s438 | url-status=live }} which would have "enshrine[d] in state law existing federal protections for abortion rights", "shift[ed] the state's abortion law from the criminal code to the health care laws", and "[made] it clearer that licensed health care practitioners as well as physicians could perform abortions".{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/opinion/strengthening-reproductive-rights-in-new-york.html | work=The New York Times | title=Reproductive Rights in New York | date=February 19, 2013 | access-date=January 6, 2018 | archive-date=January 7, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107120307/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/opinion/strengthening-reproductive-rights-in-new-york.html | url-status=live }} During his 2013 State of the State address, Cuomo said, "Enact a Reproductive Health Act because it is her body, it is her choice. Because it's her body, it's her choice. Because it's her body, it's her choice." The New York State Assembly passed the Women's Equality Act on June 20, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20130620d/|title=Refusing to Shatter Women's Equality into Parts, Assembly Approves All 10 Points of Women's Equality Act|date=June 20, 2013|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116132025/https://assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20130620d/|url-status=live}} The Republican leadership of the New York State Senate expressed support for the nine non-abortion-related planks of the Women's Equality Act, but objected to the Reproductive Health Act and expressed unwillingness to allow a vote on it.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/officially-gov-cuomo-ny-senate-gop-dig-heels-women-equality-act-blog-entry-1.1695125 |title=Officially, Gov. Cuomo, NY Senate GOP Dig In Their Heels On Women's Equality Act |last=Katz |first=Celeste |date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=January 6, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107120149/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/officially-gov-cuomo-ny-senate-gop-dig-heels-women-equality-act-blog-entry-1.1695125 |url-status=live }}

On the final day of the 2013 legislative session, following the Senate Republican Conference's continued refusal to vote on the full Women's Equality Act, Senator Jeff Klein, leader of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), offered the abortion plank of the Act as a hostile amendment to another bill.{{cite news|url=http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2013/06/klein-offers-hostile-abortion-amendment-fails/|title=Klein Offers Hostile Abortion Amendment, Fails (Updatedx2)|work=State of Politics|date=June 21, 2013|access-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107120213/http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2013/06/klein-offers-hostile-abortion-amendment-fails/|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=dead}} The amendment was defeated by a narrow margin of 32–31; all 30 Senate Republicans voted against the abortion amendment, as did Democratic Sens. Ruben Diaz and Simcha Felder. The Senate proceeded to pass the nine non-abortion-related planks of the Women's Equality Act as separate bills, and the 2013 legislative session came to an end without any portion of the WEA becoming law.{{cite web|url=https://assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20130620d|title=Senate Approves Women Equality Agenda|date=June 21, 2013|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116132025/https://assembly.state.ny.us/Press/20130620d/|url-status=live}}

"[After] the 2014 election season was over, with Cuomo victorious, the governor and his lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul both declared the abortion plank of the act officially dormant, if not dead."{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2015/06/quietly-most-of-womens-equality-act-becomes-law-023451|title=Quietly, most of Women's Equality Act becomes law|last=Nahmias|first=Laura|date=June 30, 2015|access-date=January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107175027/https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2015/06/quietly-most-of-womens-equality-act-becomes-law-023451|url-status=live}} In 2015, the non-abortion-related Women's Equality Act bills passed both houses of the State Legislature. In October 2015, Cuomo signed eight of the 10 Women's Equality Act bills into law; the abortion rights bill was not among them.{{cite news|url=http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Cuomo-signs-women-s-equality-bills-6583054.php|title=Cuomo signs women's equality bills|last=Hamilton|first=Matthew|work=Times Union|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107174950/http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Cuomo-signs-women-s-equality-bills-6583054.php|url-status=live}}

On January 22, 2019, Cuomo signed the 2019 version of the Reproductive Health Act, which passed days after Democrats took control of the state Senate.{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/22/long-stalled-abortion-bill-passes-new-york-legislature/|title=Long-stalled abortion bill passes New York Legislature|date=January 22, 2019|work=The Buffalo News|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203032547/https://buffalonews.com/2019/01/22/long-stalled-abortion-bill-passes-new-york-legislature/|url-status=live}} Cuomo ordered One World Trade Center and other landmarks to be lit in pink to celebrate the bill's passage.{{cite web|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-directs-one-world-trade-center-and-other-landmarks-be-lit-pink-celebrate-signing|title=Governor Cuomo Directs One World Trade Center and Other Landmarks to be Lit in Pink to Celebrate Signing of the Reproductive Health Act|date=January 22, 2019|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo|access-date=June 1, 2019|archive-date=May 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531082224/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-directs-one-world-trade-center-and-other-landmarks-be-lit-pink-celebrate-signing|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Parke|first=Caleb|date=January 23, 2019|title=New York 'celebrates' legalizing abortion until birth as Catholic bishops question Cuomo's faith|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-celebrates-legalizing-abortion-until-birth-as-catholic-bishops-question-cuomos-faith|publisher=Fox News|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101033148/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-celebrates-legalizing-abortion-until-birth-as-catholic-bishops-question-cuomos-faith|url-status=live}} Cuomo's signing and the lighting of the World Trade Center building sparked intense criticism from conservatives.{{cite news|last=Parke|first=Caleb|date=January 30, 2019|title=Cuomo brushes off criticism of New York abortion law: 'I'm not here to legislate religion'|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cuomo-defies-catholic-church-with-new-york-abortion-law-im-not-here-to-legislate-religion|publisher=Fox News|access-date=November 1, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000721/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cuomo-defies-catholic-church-with-new-york-abortion-law-im-not-here-to-legislate-religion|url-status=live}} The Catholic cardinal Timothy Dolan criticized Cuomo over the Reproductive Health Act.Joseph Spector | Democrat & Chronicle, Excommunicating Cuomo? [https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2019/01/28/excommunicating-cuomo-some-catholic-leaders-angered-over-new-abortion-law-new-york/2703530002/ Some Catholic leaders angered over new abortion law in New York] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919070555/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2019/01/28/excommunicating-cuomo-some-catholic-leaders-angered-over-new-abortion-law-new-york/2703530002/ |date=September 19, 2020 }}, January 29, 2019.

{{Criticism section|date=June 2021}}

In July 2014, it was reported that the Moreland Commission, a committee established by Cuomo to root out corruption in politics,{{cite magazine|last1=Chozick |first1=Amy |last2=Cuomo |first2=Andrew |title=It Could Not Have Been Worse | magazine=The New York Times Magazine |date=October 12, 2014 |page=16 |issn=0028-7822 |id={{Gale|A385503700}}}} was directed away from investigations that could be politically damaging.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/nyregion/governor-andrew-cuomo-and-the-short-life-of-the-moreland-commission.html|title=Cuomo's Office Hobbled Ethics Inquiries by Moreland Commission|last=Craig|first=Susanne|date=July 24, 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 16, 2014|archive-date=September 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915213656/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/nyregion/governor-andrew-cuomo-and-the-short-life-of-the-moreland-commission.html|url-status=live}} Cuomo later disbanded the commission. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan launched an inquiry into Cuomo's dealings with the anti-corruption panel and concluded that "after a thorough investigation", there was "insufficient evidence to prove a federal crime".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/nyregion/in-moreland-commission-inquiry-insufficient-evidence-to-prove-a-crime.html|title=Cuomo Won't Face Federal Charges Over Moreland Ethics Panel|last=Weiser|first=Benjamin|date=2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 23, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171705/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/nyregion/in-moreland-commission-inquiry-insufficient-evidence-to-prove-a-crime.html|url-status=live}}

In September 2016, Joseph Percoco, a close friend and former top aide to Cuomo, was indicted as part of a bribery investigation into the Buffalo Billion.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/nyregion/cuomo-former-aides-charges.html|title=Ex-Cuomo Aides Charged in Federal Corruption Inquiry|last1=Yee|first1=William K. Rashbaum, Vivian|date=September 23, 2016|last2=Weiser|first2=Benjamin|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=September 22, 2016|page=A1|archive-date=September 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922190153/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/nyregion/cuomo-former-aides-charges.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2016/09/all-the-governors-men-federal-charges-against-top-cuomo-aide-donor-and-suny-head/|title=All the Governor's Men – Federal Charges Against Top Cuomo Aide, Donor and SUNY Head|website=The New York Observer|date=September 22, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=September 22, 2016|archive-date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923120444/http://observer.com/2016/09/all-the-governors-men-federal-charges-against-top-cuomo-aide-donor-and-suny-head/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/267664/who-is-joe-percoco-former-cuomo-aide-charged-by-bharara-thursday/|title=Who is Joe Percoco, former Cuomo aide charged by Bharara Thursday?|date=September 22, 2016|language=en-US|access-date=September 22, 2016|archive-date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923112626/http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/267664/who-is-joe-percoco-former-cuomo-aide-charged-by-bharara-thursday/|url-status=live}} He had worked for Cuomo in both Washington and Albany and had managed his 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial campaigns.{{cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/politics-on-the-hudson/2018/09/20/andrew-cuomo-aide-joe-percoco-sentenced-6-years-prison/1368203002/|title=Joe Percoco, Andrew Cuomo's former right-hand man, gets 6 years in prison|first1=Jon|last1=Campbell|first2=Jonathan|last2=Bandler|website=lohud.com|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022101116/https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/politics-on-the-hudson/2018/09/20/andrew-cuomo-aide-joe-percoco-sentenced-6-years-prison/1368203002/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/267664/who-is-joe-percoco-former-cuomo-aide-charged-by-bharara-thursday/|title=Who is Joe Percoco, former Cuomo aide charged by Bharara Thursday?|first1=Matthew Hamilton on|last1=September 22|first2=2016 at 8:53|last2=AM|date=September 22, 2016|website=Capitol Confidential|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516185219/https://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/267664/who-is-joe-percoco-former-cuomo-aide-charged-by-bharara-thursday/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/politics-on-the-hudson/2018/03/13/percoco-verdict-reached-trial-cuomo/420236002/|title=Joe Percoco, ex-aide to Cuomo, guilty of 3 felonies in bribery case|first1=Jon|last1=Campbell|first2=Joseph|last2=Spector|website=lohud.com|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120053329/https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/politics-on-the-hudson/2018/03/13/percoco-verdict-reached-trial-cuomo/420236002/|url-status=live}} Todd Howe, a lobbyist and former Cuomo aide, was also indicted, along with several developers who were major donors to Cuomo and other state politicians. Cuomo was not accused of wrongdoing.

In March 2018, a federal jury in Manhattan convicted Percoco on felony charges of solicitation of bribes and honest services fraud for over $315,000 in bribes he took from two people seeking official favors on behalf of an energy company, Competitive Power Ventures Inc.{{Cite news|url=https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2018/03/14/stories/1060076267|title=Jury finds former Cuomo aide guilty of gas deal corruption|last=Rahim|first=Saqib|date=March 14, 2018|work=Energy Wire|access-date=April 10, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411031411/https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2018/03/14/stories/1060076267|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Vivian|last2=Weiser|first2=Benjamin|title=Joseph Percoco, Ex-Cuomo Aide, Found Guilty in Corruption Trial|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/nyregion/percoco-corruption-bribery-trial-cuomo-guilty.html|access-date=March 15, 2018|work=The New York Times|date=March 14, 2018|page=A1|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314235846/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/nyregion/percoco-corruption-bribery-trial-cuomo-guilty.html|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|title=Joseph Percoco, Former Executive Aide And Campaign Manager To N.Y. Governor, Convicted Of Accepting More Than $300,000 In Bribes|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/joseph-percoco-former-executive-aide-and-campaign-manager-ny-governor-convicted|access-date=March 15, 2018|work=March 13, 2018|agency=United States Department of Justice|issue=180–74|language=en|archive-date=March 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023300/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/joseph-percoco-former-executive-aide-and-campaign-manager-ny-governor-convicted|url-status=live}} Following Percoco's conviction, Cuomo released a statement declaring that he would respect the jury's verdict and that "there is no tolerance for any violation of the public trust".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/nyregion/percoco-corruption-bribery-trial-cuomo-guilty.html|title=Joseph Percoco, Ex-Cuomo Aide, Found Guilty in Corruption Trial|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 13, 2018|access-date=August 31, 2018|last1=Wang|first1=Vivian|last2=Weiser|first2=Benjamin|archive-date=August 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830182500/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/13/nyregion/percoco-corruption-bribery-trial-cuomo-guilty.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2018/03/cuomo-reacts-to-percoco-verdict/|title=Cuomo Reacts To Percoco Verdict|website=Nystateofpolitics.com|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074911/http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2018/03/cuomo-reacts-to-percoco-verdict/|archive-date=August 20, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/percoco-conviction-hurts-cuomo-1.17372930|title=Percoco conviction hurts Cuomo, observers say|work=Newsday |date=March 14, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-date=August 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074803/https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/percoco-conviction-hurts-cuomo-1.17372930|url-status=live}} In September 2018, Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced Percoco to 6 years in prison.{{cite web |last=Nahmias |first=Laura |date=September 20, 2018 |title=Percoco sentenced to 6 years in prison for corruption |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/09/20/percoco-sentenced-to-years-in-prison-for-corruption-620576 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309013514/https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/09/20/percoco-sentenced-to-years-in-prison-for-corruption-620576 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=March 14, 2021 |website=Politico}} In May 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned his bribery conviction.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-throws-ex-cuomo-aides-bribery-conviction-rcna68456|title=Supreme Court throws out convictions in sweeping New York corruption probe|publisher=NBC News|date=May 11, 2023 |accessdate=June 17, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-tosses-former-cuomo-aides-bribery-conviction-2023-05-11|title=U.S. Supreme Court tosses former Cuomo aide's bribery conviction|publisher=Reuters|date=May 11, 2023 |accessdate=June 17, 2024}}

In March 2021, allegations came out that Cuomo prioritized COVID-19 tests for his family and other associates during the early stages of the pandemic when tests were limited.{{cite web|first1=Justine|last1=Coleman|accessdate=April 3, 2021|title=Cuomo family members received special priority for COVID-19 testing: report|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/544835-cuomo-family-members-got-special-priority-for-covid-19-testing-report|date=March 24, 2021|website=The Hill|archive-date=March 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326000628/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/544835-cuomo-family-members-got-special-priority-for-covid-19-testing-report|url-status=live}} Particular scrutiny went to the positive test of his brother Chris in March 2020 amid other conflicts of interest that commentators saw in their relationship.{{cite web|first1=Timothy|last1=Bolger|accessdate=April 3, 2021|title=How Chris Cuomo's Southampton Covid-19 Test Became Subject of Gov. Cuomo's Impeachment Probe|url=https://www.longislandpress.com/2021/04/02/how-chris-cuomos-southampton-covid-19-test-became-subject-of-gov-cuomos-impeachment-probe/|date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=April 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402192954/https://www.longislandpress.com/2021/04/02/how-chris-cuomos-southampton-covid-19-test-became-subject-of-gov-cuomos-impeachment-probe/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first1=Kelsey|last1=Vlamis|accessdate=April 3, 2021|title=CNN anchor Chris Cuomo got special priority COVID-19 tests at his home in the Hamptons at the height of the pandemic, report says|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/chris-cuomo-got-priority-covid-19-tests-height-of-pandemic-2021-3|website=Business Insider|archive-date=March 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329205053/https://www.businessinsider.com/chris-cuomo-got-priority-covid-19-tests-height-of-pandemic-2021-3|url-status=live}} These reports were investigated during his impeachment probe but were not included in the final impeachment report.{{cite web|accessdate=April 3, 2021|title=Cuomo impeachment probe to examine Covid tests for relatives|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/cuomo-impeachment-probe-examine-covid-tests-relatives-n1262149|website=NBC News|date=March 26, 2021 |archive-date=March 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331122430/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/cuomo-impeachment-probe-examine-covid-tests-relatives-n1262149|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://nyassembly.gov/write/upload/postings/2021/pdfs/20211122_99809a.pdf|title= Impeachment Investigation Report to Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine and the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee|publisher=New York Assembly |date=November 22, 2021|accessdate=June 4, 2024}}

In mid 2021, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) started investigating a publication deal Cuomo made over his book named "American Crisis: Leadership lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic". The reason behind starting the investigation were allegations that Cuomo used tax payer money to write and create the book.{{Cite news |last=Mahoney |first=Bill |date=17 May 2021 |title=Cuomo to make over $5M from book deal |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2021/05/17/cuomo-to-make-over-5m-from-book-deal-1382633 |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Politico}} The $5.1 million after taxes that the book garnered was also considered to be very controversial, as some considered he had used his position to promote the book.{{Cite news |date=17 May 2021 |title=Gov. Cuomo Stands To Make $5 Million From Controversial Book Deal, Tax Returns Show |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/cuomo-tax-returns-book-deal/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=CBS News}}

On November 16th, 2021 the JCOPE revoked its prior authorization for Cuomo to publish his book, and ordered the suspension of any further printing.{{Cite web |date=16 November 2021 |title=JCOPE RESOLUTION 21-03 |url=https://ethics.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/11/resolution-21-03.pdf?utm_medium=301&utm_source=jcope.ny.gov |access-date=18 February 2025 |website=New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government |type=Legal Document}} The reasoning behind the decision was stated to be that Cuomo utilized state staff, buildings, and resources in writing, editing, and publishing the book.{{Cite news |last=Villenueve |first=Marina |date=16 November 2021 |title=NY Ethics Commission Rescinds Approval For Cuomo Book Deal |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/ny-ethics-commission-rescinds-approval-for-cuomo-book-deal/3405423/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=NBC}} Cuomo and his spokesperson repeatedly claimed that they had done no wrong doing, and the staff did those actions as a voluntary act.{{Cite news |date=16 November 2021 |title=Ethics commission revokes prior approval of Cuomo's book deal, threatening $5.1 million |url=https://abc7ny.com/andrew-cuomo-book-deal-ethics-commission-albany/11242794/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=ABC}} Without passing a reapproval for the publishing after requests, the JCOPE ordered Cuomo on December 14th, to forfeit the entire $5.1 million to the state of New York via the attorney general.{{Cite news |last=Schnell |first=Mycheal |date=14 December 2021 |title=NY ethics commission orders Andrew Cuomo to return book proceeds |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/585769-ny-ethics-commission-orders-andrew-cuomo-to-return-book-proceeds/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=The Hill}}{{Cite news |last=Mangan |first=Dan |date=14 December 2021 |title=Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered to repay $5 million in Covid book money |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/14/andrew-cuomo-ordered-to-repay-covid-book-money-by-new-york-ethics-panel.html |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=CNBC}}

Cuomo would go to court, and the State Supreme Court would end up ruling that the JCOPE unconstitutional and that sanctions against Cuomo violate due process as it does not have the authority to place sanctions for violating the operational rules of JCOPE itself.{{Cite news |date=16 August 2022 |title=New York Judge Sides With Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Dispute Over Book Deal |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/new-york-judge-sides-with-former-gov-andrew-cuomo-in-dispute-over-book-deal/3827461/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=NBC}} However, the court would state that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying (COEAL) is allowed to open a new investigation on what JCOPE had accused Cuomo for. The COEAL is a new ethics commission that was formed after JCOPE was shutdown.{{Cite news |last=Mahoney |first=Bill |date=16 August 2022 |title=Andrew Cuomo wins lawsuit over his $5 million book deal |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/08/16/cuomo-wins-lawsuit-over-his-book-deal-00052240 |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Politico}} COEAL would eventually start such investigation.

Cuomo would once again go to court to file an appeal against the investigation being done by the new commission. Cuomo claimed that the new commission was also too independent, and thus challenging its constitutional authority.{{Cite news |last=Destra |first=Shantel |date=26 April 2023 |title=Cuomo, who specialized in controlling ethics commissions, sues existing ethics commission for being too independent of the governor |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2023/04/cuomo-who-specialized-controlling-ethics-commissions-sues-existing-ethics-commission-being-too-independent-governor/385652/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=City and State}} On September 11, the New York State Supreme Court ruled in Cuomo's favor.{{Cite news |date=11 September 2023 |title=Cuomo Wins Book Lawsuit, Leaving New York's Ethics Panel in Limbo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-book-jcope.html |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=New York Times}} The court claimed that the new commission was also unconstitutional, claiming that “Our Constitution, which so carefully allocates power among the three branches, will not permit those powers to be transferred to (an) independent commission amounting to an unsanctioned fourth branch of government”.{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Michael |date=11 September 2023 |title=The New York ethics commission that pursued former Governor Cuomo is unconstitutional, a judge says |url=https://apnews.com/article/cuomo-ethics-hochul-new-york-f506788f55f62991b5bd6843429b076f |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Associated Press}} The state immediately announced they were looking into appealing this court decision. Cuomo would once again win his case in the mid-level appeals court that sided with the September 11 ruling.{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Rebecca C. |date=9 May 2024 |title=Appellate court agrees that state ethics commission is unconstitutional |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/05/appellate-court-agrees-state-ethics-commission-unconstitutional/396462/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=City and State}}

This ruling was also appealed to the New York State High Court of Appeals, where trial hearings started on January 7th, 2025.{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=Josh |date=7 January 2025 |title=New York ethics commission pushes for overturning Cuomo's challenge disbanding independent watchdog |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/new-york-ethics-commission-pushes-for-overturning-cuomos-challenge-disbanding-independent-watchdog/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Courthouse News Service}}{{Cite news |last=Arpey |first=Jack |date=7 January 2025 |title=Cuomo vs. state ethics commission goes to Court of Appeals with separation of powers under scrutiny |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2025/01/08/coelig-before-court-of-appels-- |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Spectrum News}} Government advocate Rachel Fauss would state that if the court were to side with previous rulings, it would mean the end of ethics enforcement in the state.{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Michael |date=7 January 2025 |title=Constitutionality of New York's ethics panel argued before state's top court |url=https://apnews.com/article/cuomo-ethics-courts-new-york-4ffb93faa01a3d5d8753083a97258453 |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Associated Press}} On February 18th, 2025 the top court declared that the new commission is constitutional, and thus the probe on Cuomo's book continues.{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Jon |date=18 February 2025 |title=NY's top court rejects Andrew Cuomo's push to blow up state ethics board |url=https://gothamist.com/news/nys-top-court-rejects-andrew-cuomos-push-to-blow-up-state-ethics-board |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Gothamist}}{{Cite news |last=Wang |first=Beth |date=18 February 2025 |title=NY High Court Backs State Ethics Panel Investigating Cuomo |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/ny-high-court-backs-state-ethics-panel-investigating-cuomo |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Bloomberg Law}}{{Cite news |date=18 February 2025 |title=NYS top court rules against Cuomo challenge to ethics panel's constitutionality |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/court-of-appeals-andrew-cuomo-ethics-commission-aenbvpwp |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Newsday}}

{{Further|New York COVID-19 nursing home scandal}}

On March 25, 2020, the New York State Department of Health issued an advisory requiring the admission of patients to nursing homes who test positive for the coronavirus and barred testing prospective nursing home patients after the CDC announced that "patients with COVID-19 could be discharged from a health care facility to both home and long-term care facilities when indicated."{{Cite web |title=New York State Department of Health Releases Advisory Prohibiting Nursing Homes From Denying Admission Due to Coronavirus |url=https://www.goldbergsegalla.com/news-and-knowledge/knowledge/nys-health-dept-releases-coronavirus-advisory/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Goldberg Segalla |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2020-04-25 |title=At a NY nursing home forced to take COVID-19 patients, 24 residents have died |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/coronavirus-spreads-new-york-nursing-home-forced-take-recovering-patients-n1191811 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=NBC News |language=en}} This was also in federal compliance with the HHS's announcement that "Nursing homes should admit any individuals that they would normally admit to their facility, including individuals from hospitals where a case of COVID-19 was/is present."{{cite web|url=https://www.cms.gov/files/document/3-13-2020-nursing-home-guidance-covid-19.pdf|title=Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes (REVISED), page 5|publisher=CMS.gov|date=March 13, 2020 |accessdate=July 18, 2024}} Due to widespread misinformation in the press, Cuomo and his health commissioner, Howard Zucker, were wrongfully accused of being the origin of mandating nursing homes to accept patients with COVID-19 who were discharged from hospitals.{{cite news |last1=Sapien |first1=Joaquin |last2=Sexton |first2=Joe |title="Fire Through Dry Grass": Andrew Cuomo Saw COVID-19's Threat to Nursing Homes. Then He Risked Adding to It. |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/fire-through-dry-grass-andrew-cuomo-saw-covid-19-threat-to-nursing-homes-then-he-risked-adding-to-it |work=ProPublica |language=en |access-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618162318/https://www.propublica.org/article/fire-through-dry-grass-andrew-cuomo-saw-covid-19-threat-to-nursing-homes-then-he-risked-adding-to-it |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/23/politics/cuomo-new-york-nursing-homes-coronavirus-patients/index.html|title=Cuomo says New York followed federal guidelines when sending coronavirus patients to nursing homes by John Ruiz|publisher=CNN|date= May 24, 2020|accessdate=July 18, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/14/nyregion/cuomo-covid-nursing-homes.html|title=Cuomo Faulted for Pandemic Leadership but Not for Nursing Home Deaths|publisher=NY Times|date=June 14, 2024 |accessdate=July 19, 2024}}

On May 10, Cuomo announced that New York would no longer require nursing homes to take COVID-19 patients from hospitals, stating that the change was not a policy reversal, but that hospitals would now be responsible for testing patients before they were released to nursing facilities.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-york-will-no-longer-require-nursing-homes-take-covid-n1204586|title=New York will no longer require nursing homes to take COVID-19 patients from hospitals - Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announcement follows criticism of an earlier policy mandating that nursing homes admit residents regardless of their COVID-19 status By Suzy Khimm|publisher=NBC|date=May 11, 2020|accessdate=July 16, 2024}} By then, as many as 4,500 COVID-19 infected patients had been sent to nursing homes in NY state which was said to have contributed to over 6,000 New York state nursing home residents dying of COVID-19 as of June 2020. However, in July 2020, the New York State Department of Health released a report that found: "Peak nursing home admissions occurred a week after peak nursing home mortality, therefore illustrating that nursing home admissions from hospitals were not a driver of nursing home infections or fatalities"; instead the department concluded that asymptomatic nursing home staff drove the infections.{{cite news |last1=Bruno |first1=Giuliana |title=NY lawmakers call for passage of bill to investigate state's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes |url=https://www.news10.com/top-stories/ny-lawmakers-call-for-passage-of-bill-to-investigate-states-handling-of-covid-19-in-nursing-homes/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=WTEN |date=August 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811083343/https://www.news10.com/top-stories/ny-lawmakers-call-for-passage-of-bill-to-investigate-states-handling-of-covid-19-in-nursing-homes/ |url-status=live }} Cuomo reacted to this report by stating that attribution of nursing home deaths to his March 2020 policy had "no basis in fact".{{cite news |last1=Bragg |first1=Chris |title=New York DOH report says state blameless for nursing home deaths |url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-York-DOH-report-says-state-blameless-for-15389060.php |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Times Union |date=July 6, 2020 |archive-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706202715/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-York-DOH-report-says-state-blameless-for-15389060.php |url-status=live }}

On January 28, 2021, an investigation conducted by state attorney general Letitia James concluded that the Cuomo administration undercounted COVID-19-related deaths at nursing homes by as much as 50%.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/nyregion/nursing-home-deaths-cuomo.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/nyregion/nursing-home-deaths-cuomo.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=N.Y. Severely Undercounted Virus Deaths in Nursing Homes, Report Says|first1=Jesse|last1=McKinley|first2=Luis|last2=Ferré-Sadurní|work=The New York Times|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=February 13, 2021}}{{cbignore}} James also reported that many nursing home residents died from COVID-19 in hospitals after being transferred from their nursing homes, which was not reflected in the DOH's published total nursing home death data.{{cite web|url=https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2021/attorney-general-james-releases-report-nursing-homes-response-covid-19|title=Attorney General James Releases Report on Nursing Homes' Response to COVID-19|publisher=NY State Attorney General|date=January 28, 2021|accessdate=July 16, 2024}}

On February 12, 2021, Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to Cuomo, said in a call with state Democratic leaders that the Cuomo administration delayed the release of data pertaining to COVID-19 deaths from nursing home patients who died in hospitals while responding to an inquiry that former President Donald Trump had directed the Department of Justice to consider investigating.{{cite web|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-secretary-governor-melissa-derosa-0|title=Statement from Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa|publisher= |date=February 12, 2024|accessdate=August 22, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/12/us/new-york-aide-apology-covid-deaths-facilities/index.html|title=New York governor's top aide admits administration delayed the release of Covid-19 deaths in long-term care facilities over federal investigation concerns|first=Lauren|last=del Valle|work=CNN|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 13, 2021|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213024039/https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/12/us/new-york-aide-apology-covid-deaths-facilities/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/12/andrew-cuomo-new-york-nursing-home-covid-deaths-leaked-recording|title=Cuomo faces calls to resign amid allegations of hiding nursing home Covid deaths|first=Richard|last=Luscombe|work=The Guardian|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 13, 2021|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213000458/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/12/andrew-cuomo-new-york-nursing-home-covid-deaths-leaked-recording|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/gov-cuomo-says-new-york-couldn-t-report-nursing-home-n1258641|title=Gov. Cuomo says N.Y. couldn't report nursing home deaths in hospitals. But other states did|publisher=NBC |date=February 23, 2021|accessdate=June 4, 2024}} Critics voiced concerns about the probe being politically motivated as New York and three other democratic-led states were targeted by Trump, regarding the same matter.{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/514936-trump-attacks-cuomo-over-nursing-homes-covid-19/|title=Trump attacks Cuomo over nursing homes, COVID-19 by Morgan Chalfant|work=The Hill|date=August 22, 2020|accessdate=August 22, 2024}} Calls to rescind Cuomo's emergency powers, granted amidst the pandemic, were launched within the New York State Senate immediately following this report, with 14 Democrats joining the Republican minority in the effort.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/some-new-york-democrats-break-cuomo-14-state-senators-call-strip-him-emergency-powers-1568988|title=Some New York Democrats Break With Cuomo as 14 State Senators Call to Strip Him of Emergency Powers|first=Katherine|last=Fung|work=Newsweek|date=February 12, 2021|access-date=February 13, 2021|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212190626/https://www.newsweek.com/some-new-york-democrats-break-cuomo-14-state-senators-call-strip-him-emergency-powers-1568988|url-status=live}}

On February 17, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn announced they were investigating the incident.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-attorney-fbi-investigating-cuomo-s-handling-nursing-home-n1258207 |title=U.S. attorney, FBI investigating Cuomo's handling of nursing home deaths |date=February 17, 2021 |last1=Dienst |first1=Jonathan |last2=Valiquette |first2=Joe |website=NBC News |access-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218021323/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-attorney-fbi-investigating-cuomo-s-handling-nursing-home-n1258207 |url-status=live }} On July 23, 2021, the DOJ announced that they would not pursue an investigation into Cuomo's handling of COVID-19-related deaths in state nursing homes, nor a possible cover up of nursing home deaths, as a result of no evidence of wrongdoing.{{cite web|url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2021/07/24/covid-deaths-ny-nursing-homes-justice-department-drops-probe/8080189002/|title=Justice Department drops investigation into New York nursing homes|publisher=Democrat and Chronicle|date=July 24, 2021 |accessdate=July 21, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/07/24/cuomo-coronavirus-investigation/|title=DOJ declines to investigate Cuomo's handling of covid-19 in nursing homes|newspaper=Washington Post |date=July 25, 2021|accessdate=June 23, 2024}}

On March 19, 2021, the FBI reported that an investigation was underway on Governor Andrew Cuomo for improperly using the power of his office to shield nursing home executive political donors from COVID-19 lawsuits but declined to investigate further.{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/19/andrew-cuomo-fbi-donors-nursing-homes|title=FBI reportedly investigating Cuomo role in shielding donors from Covid liability|date=March 19, 2021|website=The Guardian|access-date=August 5, 2021|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727050752/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/19/andrew-cuomo-fbi-donors-nursing-homes|url-status=live}}

{{Further|Andrew Cuomo sexual harassment allegations}}

On December 13, 2020, Lindsey Boylan, a former aide for Cuomo who was a Democratic candidate for Manhattan Borough president in 2021, alleged "[Cuomo] sexually harassed me for years. Many saw it, and watched." Boylan further alleged that Cuomo "exists without ethics", "takes advantage of people, including me" and ran a "toxic team environment".{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/13/ex-cuomo-staffer-accuses-governor-of-sexually-harassing-her-for-years-he-denies-it.html|title=Former Cuomo staffer accuses NY governor of sexually harassing her for years – he denies it|first=Amanda|last=Macias|date=December 13, 2020|website=CNBC|access-date=December 14, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214013900/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/13/ex-cuomo-staffer-accuses-governor-of-sexually-harassing-her-for-years-he-denies-it.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/13/nyregion/cuomo-sexual-harassment.html|title=Former Aide Accuses Cuomo of Sexual Harassment|first1=Dana|last1=Rubinstein|first2=Jesse|last2=McKinley|date=December 13, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301004510/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/13/nyregion/cuomo-sexual-harassment.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/andrew-cuomo-new-york-aide-lindsey-boylan-b1772476.html|title=Former aide accuses New York governor Andrew Cuomo of sexually harassing her|date=December 13, 2020|website=The Independent|access-date=December 14, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214024341/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/andrew-cuomo-new-york-aide-lindsey-boylan-b1772476.html|url-status=live}} A spokesperson for the Cuomo administration denied the accusation. Boylan further elaborated on her accusations in February 2021, claiming Cuomo goaded her to play strip poker with him while on a flight in 2017 and forcibly kissed her on the mouth in his Manhattan office.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/nyregion/cuomo-lindsey-boylan-harassment.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/nyregion/cuomo-lindsey-boylan-harassment.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Ex-Aide Details Sexual Harassment Claims Against Gov. Cuomo |first1=Jesse |last1=McKinley |first2=Luis |last2=Ferré-Sadurní |work=The New York Times|date=February 24, 2021|access-date=February 24, 2021}}{{cbignore}} The governor's office said Boylan's claims were false.{{cite news|last=Ferré-Sadurní|first=Luis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/cuomo-sexual-harassment-nursing-homes-covid-19.html|title=Sexual Harassment Claims Against Cuomo: What We Know So Far|work=The New York Times|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301101119/https://www.nytimes.com/article/cuomo-sexual-harassment-nursing-homes-covid-19.html|url-status=live}}

On February 27, 2021, Charlotte Bennett, an executive assistant and health policy advisor of Cuomo, also accused him of sexual harassment, saying that he asked her about her sex life on several occasions in late Spring 2020 and if she had been in sexual relationships with older men. She also suggested that Cuomo was open to relationships with women "above the age of 22".{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/nyregion/cuomo-charlotte-bennett-sexual-harassment.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/nyregion/cuomo-charlotte-bennett-sexual-harassment.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Cuomo Is Accused of Sexual Harassment by a 2nd Former Aide |work=The New York Times|last=McKinley|first=Jesse|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2nd-former-aide-to-cuomo-accuses-ny-governor-of-sexual-harassment/2914319/ |title=2nd Former Aide to Cuomo Accuses NY Governor of Sexual Harassment |work=WNBC |date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228001657/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2nd-former-aide-to-cuomo-accuses-ny-governor-of-sexual-harassment/2914319/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Dan |url=https://wskg.org/news/white-house-members-of-congress-call-for-probe-into-sexual-harassment-claims-against-cuomo/ |title=White House, Members Of Congress Call For Probe Into Sexual Harassment Claims Against Cuomo |work=WSKG |date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410195900/https://wskg.org/news/white-house-members-of-congress-call-for-probe-into-sexual-harassment-claims-against-cuomo/ |url-status=live }} In a statement on February 27, Cuomo denied making advances to Bennett and acting inappropriately towards her.{{Cite news|date=February 28, 2021|title=New York Governor Cuomo faces fresh claims of sexual harassment|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56227180|access-date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301002545/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56227180|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=February 27, 2021|title=Statement From Governor Andrew M. Cuomo|url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-andrew-m-cuomo-208|access-date=March 1, 2021|website=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo|language=en|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301000550/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-andrew-m-cuomo-208|url-status=live}}

In a February 28 statement, Cuomo said: "I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended." He apologized and acknowledged "some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation." He also said, "At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business."{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Allan |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/cuomo-s-office-turns-over-sexual-harassment-investigation-after-democrats-n1259094 |title=Cuomo apologizes for 'insensitive' comments, turns over sexual harassment investigation to AG's office |work=NBC News |date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2021 |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301003058/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/cuomo-s-office-turns-over-sexual-harassment-investigation-after-democrats-n1259094 |url-status=live }}

The two U.S. senators for New York, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats, called for an independent investigation.{{cite news|last1=McKinley|first1=Jesse|last2=Rubinstein|first2=Dana|date=March 1, 2021|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/nyregion/cuomo-investigation-sex-harassment.html|title=Under Siege Over Sex Harassment Claims, Cuomo Offers Apology|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228235012/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/nyregion/cuomo-investigation-sex-harassment.html|url-status=live}} White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a CNN interview that President Joe Biden supported an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo's conduct.

On March 1, a third woman came forward alleging Cuomo had sexually harassed her and touched her without consent on her bare lower back while posing for a photograph.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/02/politics/andrew-cuomo-anna-ruch/index.html|title=Cuomo made unwanted advance toward woman during 2019 wedding, witness says|publisher=CNN|date=March 2, 2021|accessdate=July 8, 2024}} Anna Ruch was not on the governor's staff, but encountered him socially at a wedding reception in September 2019. The attorney general of New York state, Letitia James, was reported to be investigating options for an independent investigation.{{cite news|last1=Flegenheimer|first1=Matt |last2=McKinley|first2=Jesse|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/nyregion/cuomo-harassment-anna-ruch.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/nyregion/cuomo-harassment-anna-ruch.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|title=Cuomo Accused of Unwanted Advance at a Wedding: 'Can I Kiss You?'|work=The New York Times|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 2, 2021}}{{cbignore}} When reporting the allegation, The New York Times also published a photograph from the event which showed Cuomo putting his hands on Ruch's face. She said the incident made her feel "uncomfortable and embarrassed".

A fourth woman, Ana Liss, came forward on March 6 and alleged Cuomo touched her inappropriately on her lower back and kissed her hand.{{cite web|last1=Vielkind|first1=Jimmy|last2=Paul|first2=Deanna|last3=Safdar|first3=Khadeeja|date=March 6, 2021|title=Cuomo Faces New Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior From Third Former Aide|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/third-former-andrew-cuomo-aide-describes-inappropriate-workplace-treatment-11615081956|website=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=March 14, 2021|archive-date=March 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313222601/https://www.wsj.com/articles/third-former-andrew-cuomo-aide-describes-inappropriate-workplace-treatment-11615081956|url-status=live}} That same day, Karen Hinton, a former consultant of Cuomo when he was leading the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, alleged that in 2000 he had asked personal questions and inappropriately hugged her in his hotel room.{{cite news |last1=Brittain |first1=Amy |last2=Dawsey |first2=Josh |last3=Knowles |first3=Hannah |last4=Jan |first4=Tracy |title=Cuomo's behavior created 'hostile, toxic' workplace culture for decades, former aides say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cuomo-toxic-workplace/2021/03/06/7f7c5b9c-7dd3-11eb-b3d1-9e5aa3d5220c_story.html |access-date=August 10, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 6, 2021 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814002437/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cuomo-toxic-workplace/2021/03/06/7f7c5b9c-7dd3-11eb-b3d1-9e5aa3d5220c_story.html |url-status=live }}

On March 1, 2021, Cuomo's senior counsel and special adviser Beth Garvey instructed New York attorney general Letitia James to proceed with an independent investigation of Cuomo.{{cite news |last1=Moghe |first1=Sonia |last2=LeBlanc |first2=Paul |title=NY AG says she can start investigation into Cuomo as second accuser says he 'wields his power to avoid justice' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/01/politics/letitia-james-andrew-cuomo-investigaation/index.html |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=CNN |date=March 1, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810055522/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/01/politics/letitia-james-andrew-cuomo-investigaation/index.html |url-status=live }} On March 8, James hired attorneys from two law firms (firstly Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, and secondly Vladeck, Raskin & Clark) to conduct an independent investigation of Cuomo.{{cite news |last1=McKinley |first1=Jesse |last2=Ferré-Sadurní |first2=Luis |title=Cuomo Inquiry to Be Led by 2 Lawyers, Including Ex-U.S. Attorney |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-investigation-lawyers.html |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=March 8, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810053819/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-investigation-lawyers.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=David |title=Former top U.S. prosecutor in New York took lead on Cuomo probe |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/former-top-us-prosecutor-new-york-took-lead-cuomo-probe-2021-08-03/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=Reuters |date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810025715/https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/former-top-us-prosecutor-new-york-took-lead-cuomo-probe-2021-08-03/ |url-status=live }}

On March 9, a sixth woman alleged that Cuomo inappropriately touched her at the governor's mansion.{{cite news|last=Lyons|first=Brendan J.|date=March 9, 2021|title=Cuomo faces new sexual harassment allegation, this time at Executive Mansion|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-faces-new-allegation-of-sexual-harassment-16011424.php|access-date=March 9, 2021|website=Times Union|language=en-US|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309202907/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-faces-new-allegation-of-sexual-harassment-16011424.php|url-status=live}} On April 7, the unnamed aide said that after she had been summoned to governor's mansion in November 2020, Cuomo allegedly rose from his desk and began groping her. After the aide told him it would get him in trouble, Cuomo then shut the door and said "I don't care." He then returned and groped one of her breasts over her bra by reaching under her blouse. A month later she claimed that Cuomo told her to cover-up what had occurred.{{cite web|date=April 7, 2021|title=Cuomo aide says he slammed door shut before groping her|url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-albany-us-news-andrew-cuomo-5a76d71a4e8a600ef357a7387ebeb39e|access-date=April 8, 2021|website=AP News|archive-date=April 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407230154/https://apnews.com/article/new-york-albany-us-news-andrew-cuomo-5a76d71a4e8a600ef357a7387ebeb39e|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Niedzwiadek|first=Nick|title=Report: Accuser says Cuomo groomed her, urged her to stay silent|url=https://politi.co/2PCptDI|access-date=April 8, 2021|website=Politico PRO|date=April 7, 2021 |language=en}}{{cite web|last=Lyons|first=Brendan J.|date=April 7, 2021|title=In her own words: Woman describes Cuomo's alleged groping at mansion|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/cuomo-alleged-groping-victim-mansion-incident-16078748.php|access-date=April 8, 2021|website=Times Union|language=en-US|archive-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408000736/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/cuomo-alleged-groping-victim-mansion-incident-16078748.php|url-status=live}} On August 8, she revealed her identity: Brittany Commisso.{{cite news |title=Executive assistant who accused Cuomo of groping speaks publicly for the first time: "The governor needs to be held accountable" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-cuomo-investigation-brittany-commisso-speaks-out/ |access-date=August 9, 2021 |work=CBS News |date=August 8, 2021 |archive-date=August 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808233854/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-cuomo-investigation-brittany-commisso-speaks-out/ |url-status=live }}

On March 11, 2021, the New York Assembly approved a separate impeachment investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations made against Cuomo.{{cite web|last=Milman|first=Oliver|date=March 12, 2021|title=New York assembly approves 'impeachment investigation' into Andrew Cuomo|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/11/andrew-cuomo-impeachment-investigation-new-york-governor|access-date=March 12, 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=March 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312004546/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/11/andrew-cuomo-impeachment-investigation-new-york-governor|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Ferré-Sadurní|first1=Luis|last2=Goodman|first2=J. David|last3=McKinley|first3=Jesse|date=March 11, 2021|title=Cuomo Faces New Threat: Impeachment Inquiry Led by Democrats|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/nyregion/cuomo-resign-sexual-harassment.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/nyregion/cuomo-resign-sexual-harassment.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited|access-date=March 12, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}

On March 12, Kaitlin (last name unreported), who formerly worked for the governor's office, alleged that Cuomo had made her feel uncomfortable in various situations, with his comments, questions, requests, and invasions of her personal space. She did not allege inappropriate touching or explicit sexual propositions.{{cite news |last1=Traister |first1=Rebecca |title=Andrew Cuomo's governorship has been defined by cruelty that disguised chronic mismanagement. Why was that celebrated for so long? |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/andrew-cuomo-misconduct-allegations.html |access-date=August 9, 2021 |work=New York |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313152120/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/andrew-cuomo-misconduct-allegations.html |url-status=live }} Also on March 12, journalist Jessica Bakeman alleged that Cuomo had sexually harassed her by touching her and making inappropriate comments. She wrote: "I never thought the governor wanted to have sex with me. It wasn't about sex. It was about power. He wanted me to know that I was powerless".{{cite news |last1=Bakeman |first1=Jessica |title=Cuomo Never Let Me Forget I Was a Woman |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/andrew-cuomo-sexual-harassment-albany-reporter.html |access-date=August 10, 2021 |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=August 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809202734/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/andrew-cuomo-sexual-harassment-albany-reporter.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Herbert |first1=Geoff |title=Cuomo accused of more inappropriate behavior: 'It wasn't about sex. It was about power.' |url=https://www.syracuse.com/state/2021/03/cuomo-accused-of-more-inappropriate-behavior-it-wasnt-about-sex-it-was-about-power.html |access-date=August 10, 2021 | publisher=Advance Local |work=syracuse.com |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810042545/https://www.syracuse.com/state/2021/03/cuomo-accused-of-more-inappropriate-behavior-it-wasnt-about-sex-it-was-about-power.html |url-status=live }}

On March 18, another journalist, Valerie Bauman, came forward. She said that Cuomo had made her feel uncomfortable, describing him staring at her, entering her personal space, offering her a job, and asking personal questions.{{cite news |last1=Lenthang |first1=Marlene |title=Timeline: Investigation alleges New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed women |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-accusations-york-gov-andrew-cuomo-calls-resignation/story?id=76207242 |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=ABC News |date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810002403/https://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-accusations-york-gov-andrew-cuomo-calls-resignation/story?id=76207242 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Shugerman |first1=Emily |title=Women Reporters Faced Cuomo's Creepy Behavior, Too |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/women-reporters-faced-gov-andrew-cuomos-creepy-behavior-too?ref=home |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=The Daily Beast |date=March 18, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810050851/https://www.thedailybeast.com/women-reporters-faced-gov-andrew-cuomos-creepy-behavior-too?ref=home |url-status=live }} Bauman also stated that Cuomo "never touched [her] inappropriately or said anything that [she] felt [she] could report to [her] boss".{{cite news |title=The Claims Against Cuomo: A Look at the Women's Allegations |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/the-claims-against-cuomo-a-look-at-the-womens-allegations/2936801/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |work=WNBC |agency=Associated Press |date=August 3, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810050852/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/politics/the-claims-against-cuomo-a-look-at-the-womens-allegations/2936801/ |url-status=live }} On March 19, Alyssa McGrath, who was still working for Cuomo's office at the time, accused Cuomo of sexually harassing her by ogling her and making inappropriate comments. McGrath did not accuse Cuomo of inappropriate sexual contact.{{Cite news|last1=McKinley|first1=Jesse|date=March 19, 2021|title=Cuomo Faces New Claims of Sexual Harassment From Current Aide|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/nyregion/alyssa-mcgrath-cuomo-harassment.html|access-date=March 21, 2021|archive-date=March 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319214503/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/nyregion/alyssa-mcgrath-cuomo-harassment.html|url-status=live}} On March 29, Sherry Vill, a New York constituent whose flood-damaged house Cuomo had visited in May 2017, alleged that Cuomo had inappropriately kissed her twice on her cheek during that visit.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/03/29/new-cuomo-accuser-alleges-governor-kissed-her-at-home-in-2017/|title=New Cuomo Accuser Alleges Governor Kissed Her At Home In 2017|work=Forbes|date=March 29, 2021|accessdate=June 23, 2024}}{{cite web|date=March 29, 2021|title=Upstate woman said Gov. Cuomo forced kisses on her cheek|url=https://wnyt.com/news/gov-cuomo-sexual-harassment-claims-new-accuser-attorney-gloria-allred-/6056717/|access-date=March 29, 2021|website=WNYT NewsChannel 13|language=en|archive-date=March 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329183705/https://wnyt.com/news/gov-cuomo-sexual-harassment-claims-new-accuser-attorney-gloria-allred-/6056717/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lyons|first=Brendan J.|date=March 29, 2021|title=Rochester-area woman alleges Cuomo kissed her in front of her family|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-accuser-alleges-Cuomo-kissed-her-in-front-of-16060895.php|access-date=March 29, 2021|website=Times Union|language=en-US|archive-date=March 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329155030/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/New-accuser-alleges-Cuomo-kissed-her-in-front-of-16060895.php|url-status=live}}

Attorney General James's five-month investigation concluded with the release of a report on August 3, 2021.{{cite news|last1=Vielking|first1=Jimmy|title=New York Gov. Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Investigation Finds|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-gov-cuomo-sexually-harassed-multiple-women-investigation-finds-11628003894|access-date=August 3, 2021|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=August 3, 2021|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|ref=wsj-sexual-harrasment|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803152146/https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-gov-cuomo-sexually-harassed-multiple-women-investigation-finds-11628003894|archivedate=August 3, 2021|url-status=bot: unknown}} This report concluded that during Cuomo's time in office, he sexually harassed 11 women: Boylan, Bennett, Ruch, Liss, Brittany Commisso, Kaitlin, McGrath, event attendee Virginia Limmiatis, an unnamed New York State trooper and two unnamed state entity employees.{{cite news |last1=Niedzwiadek |first1=Nick |title=What we know about the 11 women in the Cuomo harassment report |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2021/08/03/what-we-know-about-the-11-women-in-the-cuomo-harassment-report-1389422 |access-date=August 9, 2021 |work=Politico |date=August 3, 2021 |archive-date=August 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809085756/https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2021/08/03/what-we-know-about-the-11-women-in-the-cuomo-harassment-report-1389422 |url-status=live }} The investigation concluded that Cuomo's behaviour included unwanted groping, kissing and sexual comments, and also found that Cuomo's office had engaged in illegal retaliation against Boylan for her allegation against him.{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Jonathan |title=Six takeaways on the investigation of NY Governor Andrew Cuomo |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/six-takeaways-investigation-ny-governor-andrew-cuomo-2021-08-03/ |access-date=August 4, 2021 |work=Reuters |date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803204015/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/six-takeaways-investigation-ny-governor-andrew-cuomo-2021-08-03/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Scherer |first1=Michael |last2=Dawsey |first2=Josh |title=How Cuomo's office sought help from prominent liberal advocates as it pushed to discredit an accuser |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cuomo-harassment-allegations--advocacy-groups/2021/08/04/57103eee-f51f-11eb-9738-8395ec2a44e7_story.html |access-date=August 9, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811134653/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/cuomo-harassment-allegations--advocacy-groups/2021/08/04/57103eee-f51f-11eb-9738-8395ec2a44e7_story.html |url-status=live }}

Cuomo responded to the report with a denial: "I never touched anyone inappropriately." The report generated public condemnation against the governor and heightened calls for him to resign.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=August 4, 2021|title=Cuomo investigation: What we know and what's next|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/EXPLAINER-Where-does-harassment-report-leave-16362143.php|access-date=August 4, 2021|website=Times Union|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804192836/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/EXPLAINER-Where-does-harassment-report-leave-16362143.php|url-status=live}} On August 3, President Joe Biden called upon Cuomo to resign.{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/03/biden-calls-on-cuomo-to-resign-after-bombshell-sexual-harassment-report.html |title=Biden calls on Cuomo to resign after bombshell sexual harassment report |last=Wilkie |first=Christina |work=CNBC|date=August 3, 2021 |access-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921084703/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/03/biden-calls-on-cuomo-to-resign-after-bombshell-sexual-harassment-report.html |url-status=live }} The release also prompted district attorneys for Manhattan, Nassau County, Westchester County, Albany County and Oswego County to pursue criminal investigations regarding his behavior.

Cuomo later filed a complaint with New York's Supreme Court stating that James had publicly called him a "serial sexual harasser" and "sick and pathetic," violating one of the ABA's responsibilities of a prosecutor stating that, "In the context of a criminal prosecution, a prosecutor's extrajudicial statement can create the additional problem of increasing public condemnation of the accused," Cuomo said.{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/597161-new-york-attorney-general-labels-andrew-cuomo-a-sick-pathetic-man/|title=New York attorney general labels Andrew Cuomo a 'sick, pathetic man' by Joseph Choi|work=The Hill |date=March 7, 2022|accessdate=July 24, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/09/14/1122894632/andrew-cuomo-letitia-james-new-york|title= Andrew Cuomo files a complaint against Letitia James for her sexual harassment report|publisher=NPR |date=September 14, 2022|accessdate=June 21, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_3_8_special_responsibilities_of_a_prosecutor/comment_on_rule_3_8/|title= Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities Of A Prosecutor paragraph (5) (f)|publisher=American Bar Association |date=|accessdate=July 24, 2024}}

On August 10, 2021, despite denying all allegations of sexual harassment, Cuomo announced he would step down as Governor of New York, effective August 24.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/politics/news/andrew-cuomo-sexual-harassment-investigation-1235033535/|title=Gov. Andrew Cuomo Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations After Attorney General Investigation by Jordan Moreau|publisher=Variety |date=August 3, 2021|accessdate=July 24, 2024}}

{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/972725388/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-resigns-amid-sexual-harassment-claims|title=Andrew Cuomo To Resign After Investigation Finds He Sexually Harassed Multiple Women|date=August 10, 2021|work=NPR|access-date=August 10, 2021|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810193327/https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/972725388/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-resigns-amid-sexual-harassment-claims|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/10/nyregion/cuomo-resigns|title = Live Updates: Governor Cuomo Says He Will Resign|newspaper = The New York Times|date = August 10, 2021|last1 = Glueck|first1 = Katie|access-date = August 10, 2021|archive-date = August 10, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210810175327/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/10/nyregion/cuomo-resigns|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url = https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-resigns-17161f546bb83c32a337036ecf8d2a34|title = Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigns over sexual harassment allegations|website = Associated Press|date = August 10, 2021|access-date = August 10, 2021|archive-date = August 26, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210826061704/https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-resigns-17161f546bb83c32a337036ecf8d2a34|url-status = live}} On August 21, Cuomo said that Hurricane Henri would not affect his resignation.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-storms-30b3a84b7d21d644735b9e0bde1f9ecf|title=Gov. Cuomo says storm won't stop his planned resignation|website=Associated Press|date=August 21, 2021|access-date=August 23, 2021|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822213332/https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-storms-30b3a84b7d21d644735b9e0bde1f9ecf|url-status=live}}

On October 28, 2021, a spokesman for the state court system announced that Cuomo would be charged with a misdemeanor sex crime in the Albany City Court.{{cite news |last=Dienst |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/andrew-cuomo-charged-with-forcible-touching-after-criminal-probe/3359554/ |title=Andrew Cuomo Charged With Misdemeanor 'Sex Crime', Court Spokesman Says |work=WNBC |date=2021-10-28 |accessdate=2021-10-28 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028201817/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/andrew-cuomo-charged-with-forcible-touching-after-criminal-probe/3359554/ |url-status=live }} However, on January 4, 2022, Albany County District Attorney David Soares dropped a criminal complaint against Cuomo and also announced that Cuomo would not face any other charges related to other groping allegations, citing lack of evidence. Three days later, a judge dropped the criminal charge against Cuomo.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-andrew-cuomo-albany-david-soares-24c140df57e2cf65bea8e576bf427f74|title=Prosecutor drops groping charge against former NY Gov. Cuomo|first1=Michael|last1=Hill|first2=Marina|last2=Villeneuve|work=Associated Press|date=January 4, 2021|accessdate=January 4, 2022|archive-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104162858/https://apnews.com/article/new-york-andrew-cuomo-albany-david-soares-24c140df57e2cf65bea8e576bf427f74|url-status=live}}

On December 23, 2021, Nassau county District Attorney Joyce Smith declined filing criminal charges.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/23/politics/andrew-cuomo-sexual-misconduct-nassau-county/index.html|title=Ex-New York Gov. Cuomo will not be charged by Nassau County over alleged sexual misconduct incident by Sonia Moghe|publisher=CNN |date=December 23, 2021|accessdate=July 24, 2024}}

On December 28, 2021, the Westchester County District Attorney declined to issue criminal charges, citing "statutory requirements" of New York.{{Cite news|last=Scott|first=Eugene|date=December 29, 2021|title=Westchester DA won't charge Andrew Cuomo despite 'credible' allegations|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/12/28/westchester-da-wont-charge-andrew-cuomo-despite-credible-allegations/|url-status=live|access-date=December 29, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=December 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228230948/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/12/28/westchester-da-wont-charge-andrew-cuomo-despite-credible-allegations/}}

On January 31, 2022, the fifth and final sexual misconduct case against Cuomo, made by Virginia Limmiatis, was dropped by Oswego district attorney Gregory Oakes, effectively clearing him of all charges.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/last-criminal-case-against-former-gov-andrew-cuomo-dropped-by-da/3525262/ |title=Last Criminal Case Against Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo Dropped by DA – NBC New York |publisher=Nbcnewyork.com |date=2022-01-31 |accessdate=2022-02-15 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201162838/https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/last-criminal-case-against-former-gov-andrew-cuomo-dropped-by-da/3525262/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/592145-district-attorney-in-upstate-new-york-declines-to-pursue-sexual |title=Upstate New York district attorney declines to pursue sexual harassment case against Cuomo |work=The Hill |date= January 31, 2022|accessdate=2022-02-15 |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201162210/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/592145-district-attorney-in-upstate-new-york-declines-to-pursue-sexual |url-status=live }}

On November 24, 2023, Commisso filed a lawsuit against Cuomo alleging sexual harassment under the New York Adult Survivors Act which extended the time period a victim could sue for sexual assault or harassment that had previously been beyond the statute of limitations. Commisso filed the lawsuit on the last day of the time limit to sue, with the window expiring at midnight on the 24th. The lawsuit alleges a number of inappropriate interactions and actions by Cuomo, and that Commisso hadn't come forward in fear of retaliation; which the suit claims did happen and that then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul demoted her to menial tasks in lower offices. Cuomo's attorney responded claiming that Commisso's claims were false and an attempt at a "cash-grab".{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-cuomo-sued-sexual-assault-brittany-commisso-former-executive-assistant/ |title=Andrew Cuomo accused of sexual harassment in new lawsuit filed by former executive assistant Brittany Commisso |last=Linton |first=Caroline |date=November 24, 2023 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |publisher=CBS News}}

Cuomo filed for a state retirement pension, to be effective September 1, 2021, based on 14.56 years of state service as attorney general and governor.{{cite web|url=https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2021/08/17/cuomo--leaving-office--files-for-retirement|title=Cuomo, leaving office, files for retirement|last=Reisman|first=Nick|date=August 17, 2021|work=New York State of Politics|access-date=August 25, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825020253/https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2021/08/17/cuomo--leaving-office--files-for-retirement|url-status=live}} After resigning, Cuomo began working as a paid advisor to a Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange, OKX, while the company faced legal problems.{{Cite news |date=2025 |title=Cuomo Advised Crypto Exchange OKX on Its Response to US Probe |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-02/cuomo-advised-crypto-exchange-okx-on-its-response-to-us-probe |work=Bloomberg}}

On March 3, 2022, during Cuomo's first public appearance since his resignation, he gave a speech at the God's Battalion of Prayer church in Brooklyn and came out against cancel culture and hinted at a political comeback. Cuomo said, "The press roasted me, my colleagues were ridiculed, my brother was fired. It was ugly. It was probably the toughest time of my life." In the speech before an ally's church, he said, "Contrary to what my political opponents would have you believe, nothing I did violated the law or the regulation."{{cite news |last=Gronewold |first=Anna |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/06/andrew-cuomo-brooklyn-church-appearance-00014446 |title='God isn't finished with me yet': Cuomo speaks at Brooklyn church for first live appearance since resigning |work=Politico |date=2022-03-07 |accessdate=2022-03-07 }}

On March 14, 2022, at an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Cuomo came out stating his plans to create an organization that will be called "Progressives for Israel". As part of his justification for this organization, he stated "You cannot denounce antisemitism but waver on Israel's right to exist and defend itself but it should be non-Jewish officials who speak first and loudest". Cuomo later declared "I am going to call the question for Democrats 'Do you stand with Israel or do you stand against Israel?{{'"}} This came amidst speculation that Cuomo intended to run in the 2024 United States Senate election in New York.{{cite news |last=King |first=Ryan |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/foreign/andrew-cuomo-unveils-progressives-israel-group |title=Andrew Cuomo announces progressive pro-Israel advocacy group |work=Washington Examiner |date=2022-03-14 |accessdate=2022-03-18 }}

In February 2023, Andrew Cuomo criticized President Biden over the problems stemming from the Mexican border and migrants being displaced within the United States.{{cite web |last=Severi |first=Misty |date=February 9, 2023 |title=Andrew Cuomo slams Biden immigrant policies: 'Federal government was not prepared' |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/andrew-cuomo-slams-biden-migrant-policies |work=Washington Examiner |access-date=1 February 2024}}

In 2024, Cuomo was frequently rumored to run as a candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral election,{{cite news |last1=Reisman |first1=Nick |title=Cuomo ramps up mayoral plans after Adams' indictment |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/26/cuomo-mayor-adams-indictment-00181288 |publisher=Politico |date=September 26, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |last2=Oreskes |first2=Benjamin |title=As Adams's Fate Hangs in the Balance, Cuomo Waits in the Shadows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-nyc-mayor.html |work=The New York Times |date=September 27, 2024}} and formally entered the race on March 1, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Andrew Cuomo announces run for New York City mayor |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/andrew-cuomo-announces-run-new-york-city-mayor/story?id=119174603 |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=ABC News |language=en}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPMZCi1UylE |title=I'm Running for Mayor of NYC |date=2025-03-01 |last=Andrew Cuomo |access-date=2025-03-06 |via=YouTube}} Cuomo has emphasized public safety and housing affordability in his campaign,{{cite news |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma G. |title=Cuomo's First Mayoral Campaign Promise: A Plan to Tackle Affordability |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/03/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-nyc-housing-mayor.html |work=The New York TImes |date=March 3, 2025}} as well as broadening the appeal of progressivism.{{cite AV media|time=26:56-27:20|title=A sit down with Former NY Governor/NYC Mayoral Candidate Andrew Cuomo. LeBron/Lakers, Gervonta Davis|last1=Smith |first1=Stephen A.|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTVx47qbOtY|work=The Stephen A. Smith Show|quote=I believe I am a progressive, right. That word 'progressive' has been distorted and misused. That's not a new term. That's not a term they came up with a few years ago...As governor, I made progress. Passed marriage equality—first big state—changed the whole conversation nationwide, $15 highest minimum wage in the United States of America. So no one did the progressive things that we did: and we got them done!|date=March 3, 2025}} Cuomo raised all of his funds from 2,821 donors during the first 13 days of his mayoral candidacy in March 2025. He raised over $1.51 million in fundraising as of March 17, 2025.{{cite web | url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-gov-andrew-cuomo-reports-eye-popping-fundraising-figure-race-mayor | title=Former Gov Andrew Cuomo reports eye-popping fundraising figure in race for mayor | website=Fox News | date=March 17, 2025 }}

{{main|Electoral history of Andrew Cuomo}}

File:President Bill Clinton at a movie screening outside the Family Theatre of the White House (07) Color Balance.jpg in 2000]]

Cuomo married Kerry Kennedy, the seventh child of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy, on June 9, 1990. They have three daughters: twins, Cara Ethel Kennedy-Cuomo and Mariah Matilda Kennedy-Cuomo (born 1995), and Michaela Andrea Kennedy-Cuomo (born 1997). They separated in 2003, and divorced in 2005.

Cuomo began dating Food Network host Sandra Lee in 2005, and the couple moved in together in 2011. The two resided in Westchester County, New York.{{cite news |first=David |last=Gibson |url=http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/01/07/andrew-cuomo-takes-communion-and-revives-the-good-catholic-deb/ |title=Andrew Cuomo Takes Communion and Revives the 'Good Catholic' Debate |work=Politics Daily |date=January 7, 2011 |access-date=April 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121023630/http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/01/07/andrew-cuomo-takes-communion-and-revives-the-good-catholic-deb |archive-date=January 21, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20700565,00.html|title=Sandra Lee and Gov. Andrew Cuomo Have Family Dinners at Home|work=People|date=May 17, 2013|access-date=February 15, 2022|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224937/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20700565,00.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Blain |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-01-02/local/27086115_1_ethics-training-mario-cuomo-state-government |title=On second day in office, Cuomo attends church with daughters and Sandra Lee |location=New York |work=Daily News |date=January 2, 2011 |access-date=February 22, 2012 |archive-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124090011/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-01-02/local/27086115_1_ethics-training-mario-cuomo-state-government |url-status=dead }} On September 25, 2019, the couple announced that they had ended their relationship.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/25/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-sandra-lee.html|title=Governor Cuomo and Sandra Lee Have Split Up|date=September 25, 2019|work=The New York Times|first=Jesse|last=McKinley|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812130729/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/25/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-sandra-lee.html|url-status=live}} From the fall of 2019 until August 21, 2021, Cuomo lived in the New York State Executive Mansion on a full-time basis with his three daughters.

On July 4, 2015, Cuomo presided over the wedding ceremony of his longtime friend Billy Joel to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-presides-over-surprise-Billy-Joel-wedding-6367106.php|newspaper=Times Union|title=Cuomo presides over surprise Billy Joel wedding|date=July 5, 2015|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322162637/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-presides-over-surprise-Billy-Joel-wedding-6367106.php|url-status=live}}

Cuomo is Catholic.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/nyregion/19cuomo.html|title=A Cuomo Who Is Catholic but Hardly Theological|date=March 18, 2011|work=The New York Times|first=Paul|last=Vitello|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125014549/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/nyregion/19cuomo.html|url-status=live}} According to The New York Times, Cuomo's positions in favor of abortion rights and same-sex marriage (and his cohabitation with Lee without marrying her) have "become a lightning rod in a decades-old culture war between conservative Catholics and those, like Mr. Cuomo, who disagree with the church's positions on various issues, including abortion and divorce".

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo became known by the nickname of the "Love Gov" after answering a question by his brother, then-CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, about showing his softer tone while leading coronavirus response efforts. The governor responded with, "I've always been a soft guy. I am the love gov. I'm a cool dude in a loose mood, you know that. I just say, 'Let it go, just go with the flow, baby.' You know. You can't control anything, so don't even try."{{cite news |last=Spector |first=Joseph |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2020/05/08/coronavirus-response-cuomo-shows-different-side-softer-one/5174405002/ |title=In coronavirus response, Gov. Andrew Cuomo shows a different side: A softer one |work=Democrat and Chronicle |date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201002412/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2020/05/08/coronavirus-response-cuomo-shows-different-side-softer-one/5174405002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Chon |first=Monica |url=https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a32095770/andrew-chris-cuomo-nickname-love-gov-interview/ |title=The Cuomo Brothers' Latest Comedic Exchange Involved a New Nickname: "Love Gov" |work=O, The Oprah Magazine |date=April 9, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-date=March 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305185037/https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/tv-movies/a32095770/andrew-chris-cuomo-nickname-love-gov-interview/ |url-status=live }}

Cuomo drives a 1968 Pontiac GTO with the New York license plate of number "1".{{cite news |last=Flegenheimer |first=Matt |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/magazine/andrew-cuomo.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/magazine/andrew-cuomo.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited |title=Andrew Cuomo's White-Knuckle Ride |work=The New York Times |date=April 13, 2021 |accessdate=April 14, 2021 }}{{cbignore}}

• {{cite book| last=Cuomo |first=Andrew |title=Crossroads: The Future of American Politics |year=2003 |location=New York |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-1400061457}}
• {{cite book |last=Cuomo |first=Andrew |title=All Things Possible: Setbacks and Success in Politics and Life |year=2014 |location=New York |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-230008-9}}
• {{cite book |last=Cuomo |first=Andrew |title=American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic |year=2020 |location=New York |publisher=Crown |isbn=978-0-593-23926-1}}{{cite web |title=American Crisis by Andrew Cuomo: 9780593239261 |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671431/american-crisis-by-andrew-cuomo/ |access-date=October 28, 2020 |website=Penguin Random House |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101023951/https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671431/american-crisis-by-andrew-cuomo/ |url-status=live }}

{{reflist}}

• Paterson, David (2020). Black, Blind, & in Charge: A Story of Visionary Leadership and Overcoming Adversity. New York.

{{Sister project links| collapsible=yes | commonscat=yes | author=yes | b=no | voy=no | v=no | wikt=no}}

• [http://www.governor.ny.gov/ Governor Andrew M. Cuomo] official government website
• [http://andrewcuomo.com/ Andrew Cuomo for Governor] campaign website
• {{C-SPAN|29750}}

{{CongLinks|votesmart=45083}}

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