Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged as a frontrunner in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, despite his 2021 resignation over sexual harassment allegations, as prominent Democrats who previously condemned him now remain largely silent on his candidacy [1][2].

According to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, Cuomo holds a commanding 20-point lead in the race [11]. The surge comes as incumbent Mayor Eric Adams faces federal corruption charges and criticism over immigration policies [1].

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who previously called Cuomo's alleged behavior 'repulsive and unlawful,' now says she must 'deal in the reality today' and would work with him if elected [1]. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand characterized him as a 'talented executive' while deferring to voters on his candidacy [2].

Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi emphasized that multiple prosecutors declined to pursue cases against the former governor: 'Three years, five district attorney reviews resulted in zero cases and civil cases were either dropped or are dying on the vine' [1].

Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to accuse Cuomo of harassment, expressed disappointment in Democratic leaders' current stance. 'The most powerful people in New York politics are afraid of him,' she said during a demonstration outside a Cuomo campaign event [3].

Political experts attribute Cuomo's viability to several factors, including his record as governor, weak opposition candidates, and current city hall disorder. Syracuse University professor Grant Reeher noted, 'New York is in such a state of chaos and the government needs someone to come in and take charge' [1].

The state attorney general's 2021 report concluded Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women, leading to his resignation. While he apologized for potentially offensive remarks, he denied inappropriate touching and maintained the investigation was politically motivated [2].