Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andrew Cuomo

How Andrew Cuomo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Andrew Mark Cuomo is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. A Democrat and son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, his tenure ended in resignation following multiple sexual harassment allegations. Currently, Cuomo is pursuing an independent candidacy for Mayor of New York City, having been defeated in the Democratic primary by Zohran Mamdani.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 24, 2011: Cuomo signs the Marriage Equality Act

On June 24, 2011, Andrew Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act, introducing homosexual marriage, following an "intense public and private lobbying campaign".

2011: Cuomo restructures New York State tax code

In 2011, Andrew Cuomo was praised for his restructuring of the New York State tax code.

January 15, 2013: Cuomo signs NY SAFE Act into law

On January 15, 2013, Andrew Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act into law, the first state gun control bill to pass after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. It was described as the toughest gun control law in the United States.

June 20, 2013: New York State Assembly passed the Women's Equality Act

On June 20, 2013, the New York State Assembly passed the Women's Equality Act, which included 10 component bills related to issues like domestic violence, human trafficking, and pregnancy discrimination. However, the Reproductive Health Act, the tenth bill, faced opposition in the State Senate.

July 5, 2013: Cuomo signs amendment to NY SAFE Act

On July 5, 2013, Andrew Cuomo signed an amendment to the NY SAFE Act that exempts retired police officers from some of the act's ownership restrictions.

January 2014: Cuomo announces executive order on medical marijuana

In January 2014, Andrew Cuomo announced an executive order to allow the limited use of medical marijuana in New York.

July 5, 2014: Cuomo signs the Compassionate Care Act

On July 5, 2014, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act into law, legalizing medical cannabis in New York State with some restrictions.

December 17, 2014: Cuomo administration bans hydraulic fracturing

On December 17, 2014, the Cuomo administration announced a ban on hydraulic fracturing in New York State, citing significant public health risks.

2014: Start-Up NY business tax incentive program initiated

In 2014, the Start-Up NY business tax incentive program was initiated.

April 18, 2017: Cuomo signs New York State 2018 fiscal year budget

On April 18, 2017, Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State 2018 fiscal year budget which included the Excelsior Scholarship.

August 2017: Cuomo administration awards grants to New York colleges

In August 2017, the Cuomo administration awarded more than $7 million in grants, financed with money from bank settlements, to New York colleges to offer courses to New York prisoners.

January 2018: Cuomo proposes reforms to the criminal justice system

In January 2018, Andrew 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. He also called for an end to cash bail for minor crimes.

April 2, 2018: New legislation prevents domestic abusers from possessing firearms

On April 2, 2018, Andrew Cuomo announced the passage of new legislation that prevents those who have been convicted of domestic violence from possessing any kind of firearms and losing their gun license.

April 2018: Cuomo announces restoration of voting rights for parolees

In April 2018, Andrew Cuomo announced that he would restore the voting rights of parolees through an executive order.

2018: Excelsior Scholarship provision in effect

In 2018, the New York State fiscal year budget signed by Andrew Cuomo went into effect and included the Excelsior Scholarship, a provision that families making less than $125,000 could have free tuition at SUNY and CUNY universities.

January 22, 2019: Cuomo signed the Reproductive Health Act

On January 22, 2019, Andrew Cuomo signed the 2019 version of the Reproductive Health Act after Democrats gained control of the state Senate. To celebrate, Cuomo ordered One World Trade Center and other landmarks to be lit in pink, sparking criticism from conservatives and the Catholic cardinal Timothy Dolan.

February 25, 2019: Cuomo signs 'red flag' gun protection law

On February 25, 2019, Andrew 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.

May 30, 2019: Cuomo signs repeal of 'gravity knife' ban

On May 30, 2019, Andrew Cuomo signed into law a repeal of the Penal Code provision that had listed the 'gravity knife' as a prohibited weapon. This followed a court decision declaring the ban unconstitutional.

July 30, 2019: Cuomo signs laws banning 3D printed guns and requiring safe firearm storage

On July 30, 2019, Andrew Cuomo signed two laws banning the manufacture and sale of 3D printed guns and requiring safe storage of firearms when children younger than 16 years of age live in a gun owner's home.

2019: Income limit for Excelsior Scholarship specified

By 2019, families making less than $125,000 in income could have free tuition at all SUNY and CUNY universities through the Excelsior Scholarship.

March 31, 2021: Recreational cannabis legalized in New York

On March 31, 2021, Andrew Cuomo officially legalized recreational use of cannabis with the signing into law of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

August 10, 2021: Cuomo Announces Resignation as Governor of New York

On August 10, 2021, despite denying all allegations of sexual harassment, Cuomo announced that he would step down as Governor of New York, effective August 24.

September 1, 2021: Cuomo files for state retirement pension

On September 1, 2021, Cuomo filed for a state retirement pension, to be effective based on 14.56 years of state service as attorney general and governor.

2021: Cuomo signs tax increase on high-income workers and corporations

In 2021, Andrew Cuomo signed a tax increase on high-income workers and corporations worth over one million dollars, hoping that the Federal cap on state and local tax deductions will be repealed.

March 3, 2022: Cuomo gives public speech, hints at political comeback

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, spoke out against cancel culture, and hinted at a political comeback.

March 14, 2022: Cuomo announces creation of "Progressives for Israel"

On March 14, 2022, at an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Cuomo announced his plans to create an organization that will be called "Progressives for Israel", amidst speculation that Cuomo intended to run in the 2024 United States Senate election in New York.

February 2023: Cuomo criticizes President Biden

In February 2023, Andrew Cuomo criticized President Biden over the problems stemming from the Mexican border and migrants being displaced within the United States.

2024: Speculation about Cuomo Running for Senate in 2024

In March 14, 2022, amidst speculation that Cuomo intended to run in the 2024 United States Senate election in New York, Cuomo announced his plans to create an organization that will be called "Progressives for Israel".

March 1, 2025: Cuomo announces candidacy in the 2025 New York City mayoral election

On March 1, 2025, Cuomo announced his candidacy in the 2025 New York City mayoral election. Cuomo emphasized public safety and housing affordability in his campaign and branded himself as a progressive because he passed liberal policies.

March 2025: Cuomo raises campaign funds and forms a third party

During the first 13 days of his mayoral candidacy in March 2025, Cuomo raised funds from 2,821 donors and formed a third party named "Fight and Deliver" to give himself a second ballot line.