Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andrew Cuomo
How Andrew Cuomo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Andrew Cuomo, an American politician and lawyer, served as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. A Democrat and son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, he was previously the New York Attorney General (2007-2010). His tenure as governor ended with his resignation in 2021. He is currently running for mayor of New York City.
2 days ago : DOJ Investigates Cuomo Over Nursing Home Deaths; Mamdani Enters Mayoral Race.
The Justice Department launched an inquiry into Andrew Cuomo regarding testimony on New York nursing home deaths. Separately, Zohran Mamdani is making waves by crashing into the mayoral race.
1982: Campaign Manager for Father's Gubernatorial Campaign
During his father's successful 1982 campaign for governor, Andrew Cuomo served as campaign manager and later joined the governor's staff as a policy advisor.
1984: Assistant District Attorney
From 1984 to 1985, Andrew Cuomo was a New York assistant district attorney.
1985: Worked at Blutrich, Falcone & Miller
From 1984 to 1985, Andrew Cuomo briefly worked at the law firm of Blutrich, Falcone & Miller.
1986: Founded HELP
In 1986, Andrew Cuomo founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP).
1988: Ran HELP Full Time
In 1988, Andrew Cuomo left his law firm to run HELP full time.
1990: Chaired NYC Homeless Commission
From 1990 to 1993, Andrew Cuomo chaired the New York City Homeless Commission.
1993: End of Term as Chair of NYC Homeless Commission
From 1990 to 1993, Andrew 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. 1993 marks the end of his term as chair.
1993: Assistant Secretary at HUD
In 1993, Andrew Cuomo became an assistant secretary in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
1993: Appointed Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development
In 1993, Andrew Cuomo was appointed Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
January 1997: Confirmed as Secretary of HUD
In January 1997, Andrew Cuomo was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to succeed Henry Cisneros as Secretary of HUD.
1997: Secretary of HUD
In 1997, Andrew Cuomo served as the secretary in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
June 16, 1999: Speech on Community Builders Program
On June 16, 1999, Andrew Cuomo declared that one purpose of the Community Builders program was to fight against HUD's abolition.
August 1999: Community Builders Letter Distribution
In August 1999, Community Builders, a program championed by Andrew Cuomo, distributed a letter to community groups to fight against proposed tax cuts.
2000: HUD Agreement with Smith & Wesson
In 2000, Andrew Cuomo led HUD efforts to negotiate an agreement with United States handgun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, requiring them to change gun design, distribution, and marketing to improve safety.
2001: Joined Fried Frank Law Firm
From 2001 to 2004, Andrew Cuomo worked at the Fried Frank law firm.
2001: End of Term as Secretary of HUD
In 2001, Andrew Cuomo's service as Secretary of HUD concluded with the end of the Clinton administration.
2001: End of HUD Secretary Term
In 2001, Andrew Cuomo's term as Secretary of HUD concluded.
2002: Comeback Kid
After his unsuccessful and unpopular 2002 gubernatorial campaign, securing the Democratic party nomination for Attorney General was considered a significant rebound.
2002: Failed Gubernatorial Campaign
In 2002, Andrew Cuomo ran for the Democratic nomination for the New York governor seat and his campaign took serious damage after a gaffe about the September 11 attacks.
2004: Left Fried Frank Law Firm
From 2001 to 2004, Andrew Cuomo worked at the Fried Frank law firm.
May 30, 2006: Captured Democratic Party Endorsement
On May 30, 2006, Andrew Cuomo captured the Democratic Party's endorsement for New York state attorney general, receiving 65% of the delegates.
November 7, 2006: Won General Election for Attorney General
On November 7, 2006, Andrew Cuomo won the general election for attorney general, defeating Jeanine Pirro with 58% of the vote.
2006: Not in Government
From 2001 to 2006, Andrew Cuomo was not in government.
2006: Elected New York Attorney General
In 2006, Andrew Cuomo was elected as the New York Attorney General.
July 23, 2007: Admonished Spitzer Administration
On July 23, 2007, Andrew 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.
2007: Became Attorney General of New York
In 2007, Andrew Cuomo assumed the role of the 64th Attorney General of New York.
2007: Investigation into Student Lending Practices
In 2007, Andrew Cuomo's office conducted a high-profile investigation into lending practices and anti-competitive relationships between student lenders and universities, leading to changes in lending policy and rebates to borrowers.
June 10, 2008: Announced Shutdown of Online Child Pornography Sources
On June 10, 2008, Andrew 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.
December 2008: Hillary Clinton appointed as U.S. Secretary of State
In December 2008, after Hillary Clinton was chosen as U.S. Secretary of State, New York Governor David Paterson had to appoint a temporary replacement. Andrew Cuomo was considered a leading candidate for this appointment.
September 18, 2009: Obama advisors suggest Paterson withdraw candidacy
On September 18, 2009, advisors to President Barack Obama suggested that Governor David Paterson withdraw his 2010 gubernatorial candidacy to make way for Andrew Cuomo.
January 23, 2010: Cuomo to announce plans for gubernatorial campaign
On January 23, 2010, it was reported that Andrew Cuomo would announce his plans for a gubernatorial campaign at the end of March.
May 22, 2010: Cuomo announces run for governor
On May 22, 2010, Andrew Cuomo officially announced his candidacy for governor in a video posted to his campaign website.
May 26, 2010: Cuomo announces Robert Duffy as choice for lieutenant governor
On May 26, 2010, Andrew Cuomo announced Robert Duffy, the Mayor of Rochester, as his choice for lieutenant governor.
November 2, 2010: Cuomo wins election for governor
On November 2, 2010, Andrew Cuomo won the election for governor by a landslide, securing 62.6% of the vote against Republican Carl Paladino.
2010: Won Democratic Primary and General Election
In 2010, Andrew Cuomo secured the Democratic primary for governor of New York and subsequently won the general election with over 60% of the vote.
2010: End of Term as Attorney General
In 2010, Andrew Cuomo's term as the 64th Attorney General of New York came to an end.
2010: Joseph Percoco managed Cuomo's 2010 gubernatorial campaign
In 2010, Joseph Percoco managed Cuomo's gubernatorial campaign.
January 1, 2011: Cuomo takes gubernatorial oath of office
On January 1, 2011, Andrew Cuomo was sworn in as the Governor of New York, succeeding David Paterson. He then worked to pass a budget, made a new deal with a state-employee union, signed ethics reform legislation, passed a property tax cap, worked to enact a same-sex marriage bill with bipartisan support, and restructured New York's tax code.
June 24, 2011: Cuomo signs Marriage Equality Act
On June 24, 2011, Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act, legalizing same-sex marriage in New York, following an "intense public and private lobbying campaign".
July 16, 2011: Cuomo finalizes deal with Public Employees Federation
On July 16, 2011, Cuomo finalized a five-year deal with the Public Employees Federation, ending pay raises, implementing furlough days, and requiring additional contributions to health insurance accounts.
July 25, 2011: Lawsuit filed against Marriage Equality Act
On July 25, 2011, a lawsuit was filed in the New York Supreme Court seeking an injunction against the Marriage Equality Act, alleging corruption and violations of the law in its passage.
2011: Became Governor of New York
In 2011, Andrew Cuomo became the 56th governor of New York.
2011: Tax Code Changes
In 2011, Andrew Cuomo delivered a tax code that raised taxes for the wealthy and lowered taxes for the middle class.
2011: Cuomo restructures New York State tax code
In 2011, Cuomo restructured the New York State tax code, drawing both praise and criticism.
June 2012: Cuomo administration considers lifting ban on fracking
In June 2012, Cuomo administration said it was considering lifting a state ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to stimulate the economy in upstate New York.
October 2012: Cuomo allows provisional ballots after Hurricane Sandy
In October 2012, after Hurricane Sandy, Cuomo allowed New York voters displaced by the storm to cast provisional ballots anywhere in the state. He also appointed a commission to examine utilities' responses to the storm damage.
2012: Cuomo aims to reduce public employee pensions
In 2012, Cuomo stated that his top goal was the reduction of public employee pensions.
January 15, 2013: Cuomo signs the NY SAFE Act into law
On January 15, 2013, Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act, the first state gun control bill passed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The act, considered the toughest in the US, faced criticism from groups like the NRA.
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 affecting issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and pregnancy discrimination. The tenth bill was the Reproductive Health Act.
July 5, 2013: Cuomo signs amendment to NY SAFE Act
On July 5, 2013, Cuomo signed an amendment to the NY SAFE Act, which exempts retired police officers from some of the act's ownership restrictions.
2013: Signed the NY SAFE Act of 2013
In 2013, Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act, considered the strictest gun control law in the United States.
2013: Women's Equality Act Fails to Pass
In 2013, the Women's Equality Act failed to pass in its entirety after the Senate Republican Conference refused to vote on the full act. The abortion plank was offered as a hostile amendment and defeated, while the non-abortion-related planks were passed as separate bills. The 2013 legislative session ended without the Women's Equality Act becoming law.
January 2014: Cuomo announces executive order for limited medical marijuana use
In January 2014, Cuomo announced an executive order allowing the limited use of medical marijuana in New York.
January 17, 2014: Cuomo interviewed on WCNY's The Capital Pressroom
On January 17, 2014, Cuomo was interviewed by Susan Arbetter on WCNY's The Capital Pressroom.
March 5, 2014: Rob Astorino announces run for governor
On March 5, 2014, Westchester County executive Rob Astorino announced his candidacy on the Republican ticket against Andrew Cuomo for governor.
May 2014: New York State Democratic Committee responds to Rob Astorino
In May 2014, the New York State Democratic Committee, led by Cuomo, responded to a speech by Rob Astorino, criticizing "Tea Party Republicans."
July 5, 2014: Cuomo signs the Compassionate Care Act into law
On July 5, 2014, Governor Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act into law, legalizing medical cannabis in New York with certain restrictions.
November 4, 2014: Cuomo reelected for a second term
On November 4, 2014, Andrew Cuomo was reelected for a second term as governor, receiving 54% of the vote.
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: Abortion plank of Women's Equality Act declared officially dormant
Following the 2014 election season, both Governor Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul declared the abortion plank of the Women's Equality Act officially dormant.
2014: Re-elected as Governor
In 2014, Andrew Cuomo was re-elected as the governor of New York.
2014: Joseph Percoco managed Cuomo's 2014 gubernatorial campaign
In 2014, Joseph Percoco managed Cuomo's gubernatorial campaign.
2014: Cuomo involved in formation of Independent Democratic Conference (IDC)
In 2014, it was 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.
October 2015: Cuomo signs eight Women's Equality Act bills into law
In October 2015, Cuomo signed eight of the 10 Women's Equality Act bills into law; the abortion rights bill was not among them.
July 2016: Report on Start-Up NY jobs program released
In July 2016, the Empire State Development Corporation released a report indicating that the Start-Up NY program had generated 408 jobs since 2014, while ads promoting the program had cost at least $53 million.
2016: Media speculation about a possible presidential run
In 2016, there was media speculation about a possible presidential run for Andrew Cuomo.
February 2017: Cuomo calls cannabis a "gateway drug"
As recently as February 2017, Cuomo called recreational cannabis a "gateway drug", expressing his opposition to its legalization.
April 18, 2017: Cuomo signs New York State 2018 fiscal year budget
On April 18, 2017, Cuomo signed the New York State 2018 fiscal year budget, including the Excelsior Scholarship, which provides free tuition at SUNY and CUNY universities for families making less than $125,000 in 2019.
June 2017: Cuomo declares state of emergency for NYC Subway
In June 2017, following a series of subway disasters, Cuomo declared a "state of emergency" for the New York City Subway system.
August 2017: Cuomo administration awards grants to New York colleges
In August 2017, the Cuomo administration awarded over $7 million in grants to New York colleges, funded by large bank settlements, to offer courses to New York prisoners.
2017: Cuomo faces primary challenge from Cynthia Nixon
In 2017, Andrew Cuomo faced a primary challenge from actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, who criticized him for issues like the New York City Subway and his stance on undocumented immigrants.
2017: Cuomo announces phaseout of Indian Point nuclear plant
In 2017, Cuomo announced the phaseout of the Indian Point nuclear plant, which generated a quarter of New York City's power. The lost carbon-free power was replaced by fossil fuels, potentially hindering New York's climate goals.
January 2018: Cuomo proposes criminal justice reforms
In January 2018, Cuomo proposed reforms to reduce trial delays, ban asset seizures without conviction, ease job access for former convicts, and end cash bail for minor crimes.
April 2, 2018: New legislation prevents domestic violence offenders from possessing firearms
On April 2, 2018, Cuomo announced the passage of new legislation preventing those convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms and revoking their gun licenses.
April 2018: Cuomo announces restoration of voting rights for parolees
In April 2018, Cuomo announced that he would restore the voting rights of parolees through an executive order.
November 6, 2018: Cuomo-Hochul ticket defeats Molinaro-Killian ticket
On November 6, 2018, the Cuomo-Hochul ticket won against the Molinaro-Killian ticket with a margin of 59.6% to 36.2%.
December 2018: Cuomo supports legalizing recreational cannabis
In December 2018, Cuomo announced his support for legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, after previously opposing it.
2018: Cuomo jokes about changing name to 'Amazon Cuomo'
In 2018, Andrew Cuomo joked that he would change his name to "Amazon Cuomo" if Amazon located their "Amazon HQ2" in New York State.
2018: Re-elected as Governor
In 2018, Andrew Cuomo was re-elected as the governor of New York.
2018: Cuomo appoints monitor to oversee NYCHA
In 2018, Cuomo responded to a class-action lawsuit against NYCHA by appointing an independent monitor to oversee the agency on an emergency basis.
January 22, 2019: Cuomo signs the Reproductive Health Act
On January 22, 2019, Cuomo signed the 2019 version of the Reproductive Health Act. In celebration, he ordered One World Trade Center and other landmarks to be lit in pink. The signing and the lighting of the World Trade Center building sparked intense criticism from conservatives.
February 25, 2019: Cuomo signs "red flag" gun protection law
On February 25, 2019, Cuomo signed the "red flag" gun protection law, allowing courts to temporarily prohibit individuals deemed a threat from buying or possessing a gun.
May 2019: Cuomo announces he will run for fourth term
In May 2019, Governor Cuomo announced he would run for a fourth term.
May 30, 2019: Cuomo signs repeal of gravity knife ban
On May 30, 2019, Cuomo signed into law a repeal of the Penal Code provision that had listed the "gravity knife" as a prohibited weapon.
July 30, 2019: Cuomo signs laws banning 3D printed guns and requiring safe firearm storage
On July 30, 2019, Cuomo signed two laws banning the manufacture and sale of 3D printed guns and requiring safe storage of firearms in homes with children under 16.
2019: Excelsior Scholarship eligibility capped at $125,000 income
In 2019, families making less than $125,000 were eligible for free tuition at all SUNY and CUNY universities, through the Excelsior Scholarship.
October 2020: Cuomo publishes his book, American Crisis
In October 2020, Andrew Cuomo published his book, "American Crisis", proclaiming victory against the pandemic.
2020: Media speculation about a possible presidential run
In 2020, there was media speculation about a possible presidential run for Andrew Cuomo.
January 29, 2021: Cuomo distrusts health officials
On January 29, 2021, during a press conference, Cuomo stated that he did not trust the expertise of state health officials.
March 31, 2021: Recreational cannabis legalized in New York
On March 31, 2021, recreational use of cannabis was officially legalized in New York with the signing into law of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act by Governor Cuomo.
July 7, 2021: Cuomo declares disaster emergency on gun crime
On July 7, 2021, Cuomo declared the first 'disaster emergency' in the United States related to gun crime for New York.
August 10, 2021: Cuomo announces resignation
On August 10, 2021, Cuomo announced he would step down as Governor of New York, effective August 24, despite denying all allegations of sexual harassment.
August 2021: Report details accusations of sexual harassment, Cuomo resigns
In August 2021, a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James detailed accusations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo, leading to calls for his removal. Faced with likely impeachment, Cuomo announced his resignation as Governor.
August 2021: Resignation Following Sexual Harassment Report
In August 2021, following the release of a report detailing sexual harassment allegations, Andrew Cuomo resigned from office.
August 24, 2021: Cuomo's resignation as Governor becomes effective
On August 24, 2021, Andrew Cuomo's resignation as Governor of New York became effective, following accusations of sexual harassment and facing likely impeachment.
September 1, 2021: Cuomo files for state retirement pension
On September 1, 2021, Cuomo's state retirement pension became effective, based on 14.56 years of state service as attorney general and governor.
December 14, 2021: Cuomo ordered to pay $5.1 million in book profits
On December 14, 2021, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics ordered Cuomo to pay New York state $5.1 million in book profits from "American Crisis", alleging he used state resources. Cuomo denied the claims and sued the commission.
2021: Resignation as Governor
In 2021, Andrew Cuomo resigned from his position as the 56th governor of New York.
2021: Cuomo signs tax increase on high income workers and corporations
In 2021, Cuomo signed a tax increase on high income workers and corporations and the wealthy worth over one million dollars, hoping that the Federal cap on state and local tax deductions will be repealed.
March 3, 2022: Cuomo gives speech and hints at a 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 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."
March 14, 2022: Cuomo announces plan to create "Progressives for Israel"
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".
February 2023: Cuomo criticizes Biden over border issues
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: Rumored to run as a candidate
In 2024, Cuomo was frequently rumored to run as a candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral election.
March 1, 2025: Announced Intention to Run for Mayor
On March 1, 2025, Andrew Cuomo announced his intention to run for mayor of New York City in 2025.
March 2025: Cuomo enters New York City mayoral election
In March 2025, Cuomo formally entered the race for the New York City mayoral election. He has emphasized public safety and housing affordability in his campaign, and has branded himself as a progressive.
March 17, 2025: Cuomo raised over $1.51 million
As of March 17, 2025, Cuomo raised over $1.51 million in fundraising.
2027: Tax increase on high income workers and corporations will extend until the year 2027
In 2021, Cuomo signed a tax increase on high income workers and corporations and the wealthy worth over one million dollars, hoping that the Federal cap on state and local tax deductions will be repealed, and this tax increase extends until the year 2027.
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