Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has entered the race for New York City mayor, he announced in a campaign video Saturday.

"I am a lifelong New Yorker and I love New York and I want New York to not only survive, but to thrive, for my children and for yours," Cuomo said in the video. "At this time when the nation is searching for its soul, divided as never before, questioning our democratic values, questioning the very role of government and the balance of power, New York must show the way forward and remind the nation of who we are because it all started here. This was the epicenter. It is this country's past and it forecasts the future."

What You Need To Know

  • Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has entered the race for New York City mayor, he announced in a campaign video Saturday.

  • Cuomo joins a crowded field competing in the Democratic primary, which is set for June 24
  • He had long been speculated as a potential candidate, even being considered the frontrunner in some polls

  • Cuomo enters the race with baggage, including sexual misconduct allegations and accusations his administration covered up COVID nursing home deaths

Cuomo joins a crowded field competing in the Democratic primary, which is set for June 24.

He had long been speculated as a potential candidate, even being considered the frontrunner in some polls.

Prior to the announcement, Cuomo was already being treated by some as if he were in the race, with several declared mayoral candidates namechecking him during their campaigns. Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres also preemptively endorsed Cuomo before the former governor's official announcement.

Cuomo resigned as governor of New York in August 2021 after New York state Attorney General Letitia James released a report that found he had sexually harassed multiple women during his time in office, including state employees, “by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments.”

Cuomo denied any wrongdoing and claimed James’ probe was politically motivated.

The former governor has also faced accusations that his administration covered up the number of COVID-related nursing home deaths in the state during the pandemic. Cuomo has repeatedly said he followed federal COVID guidelines.

Following his resignation, Cuomo didn’t leave public life entirely, hosting a podcast and making speaking appearances at predominantly Black churches.

Cuomo, along with all mayoral candidates, must gather at least 3,750 signatures from registered voters by April 3 to qualify for the primary.