Challenges Faced by Andrew Cuomo: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Andrew Cuomo. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Andrew Cuomo is an American politician and lawyer. A Democrat and son of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, he served as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. His tenure ended with his resignation amidst multiple sexual misconduct allegations. He previously held positions as the New York Attorney General and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton. Cuomo recently ran for New York City mayor as an independent after losing in the democratic primary.

Sections (6)

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

1998: Inspector General Testifies Against Cuomo

In 1998, Clinton-appointed HUD inspector general Susan Gaffney testified to a Senate committee about "escalating attacks on her office" by Andrew Cuomo and his aides.

1999: Inspector General's Office Report

In 1999, the Inspector General's office concluded that "most (15 out of 19) Community Builders' goals were activities rather than actual accomplishments" and that Andrew Cuomo's initiatives "had a crippling effect on many of HUD's ongoing operations".

May 2001: Inspector General's Retirement

In May 2001, Susan Gaffney, the HUD inspector general, retired shortly after the department reached a settlement with an employee who had accused her of racial discrimination.

2002: First Run for Governor

In 2002, Andrew Cuomo first ran for the Democratic nomination for New York governor but his campaign took serious damage after a gaffe related to comments about the September 11 attacks.

2002: Failed Gubernatorial Bid

In 2002, Andrew Cuomo had a failed bid to win the Democratic primary in the New York gubernatorial election.

2008: Cuomo Criticized for 'Shuck and Jive' Comment About Obama

In 2008, during the Democratic Presidential primaries, Cuomo said, "You can't shuck and jive at a press conference", regarding Barack Obama. Some criticized Cuomo for his use of the phrase, with some interpreting it as a racial slur.

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 the process of passing the bill.

2013: Harassment of Women

The report found that Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women from 2013 through 2020 and retaliated against victims who made complaints about his conduct

July 2016: Report on Start-Up NY Tax Incentive Program Released

In July 2016, the Empire State Development Corporation released a report indicating that the state's Start-Up NY business tax incentive program had generated 408 jobs since its inception in 2014. Ads promoting the program had cost at least $53 million.

May 2017: Sherry Vill Alleges Inappropriate Kissing

In May 2017, Sherry Vill, a New York constituent whose flood-damaged house Cuomo had visited, alleged that Cuomo had inappropriately kissed her twice on her cheek during that visit.

June 2017: Cuomo Declares State of Emergency for NYC Subway System

In June 2017, after a series of subway disasters, Andrew Cuomo declared a "state of emergency" for the New York City Subway system. He and previous administrations were found partly at fault for the worsening quality of the subway system and inflated construction costs.

2017: Criticism from Cynthia Nixon

In 2017, Andrew Cuomo was challenged in the Democratic primary by Cynthia Nixon, who criticized him for failing to fix the New York City Subway after the 2017 New York City transit crisis declaration.

March 2018: Joseph Percoco convicted on felony charges

In March 2018, Joseph Percoco, a close friend and former top aide to Cuomo, was convicted on felony charges of solicitation of bribes and honest services fraud for taking over $315,000 in bribes.

September 2018: Judge sentenced Percoco to 6 years in prison

In September 2018, Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced Joseph Percoco to 6 years in prison following his conviction on felony charges.

2018: Cuomo Responds to Class-Action Lawsuit Against NYCHA

In the winter of 2018, Andrew Cuomo responded to a class-action lawsuit brought against the New York City Housing Authority. By early April, Cuomo appointed an independent monitor to oversee NYCHA on an emergency basis.

January 2019: Approval Rating Drops Eight Percent

In January 2019, Andrew Cuomo's approval rating dropped eight percent.

February 2019: Approval Rating Drops to Lowest of Tenure

In February 2019, Andrew Cuomo's approval rating fell to 43%, the lowest of his time as governor, with 50% disapproving. This followed the signing of progressive legislation.

March 6, 2020: Criticism of Federal Government's COVID-19 Response

On March 6, 2020, Andrew Cuomo criticized the federal government's response to the COVID-19 outbreak, calling it "absurd and nonsensical".

March 2020: Brother Chris tested positive for COVID-19

In March 2020, Cuomo's brother, Chris, tested positive for COVID-19, raising questions and commentary about conflicts of interest in their relationship.

March 2020: New York State Department of Health issued order requiring admission of patients to nursing homes regardless of COVID test results

In March 2020, the New York State Department of Health, under Cuomo's leadership, issued an order on March 25 requiring nursing homes to admit patients regardless of COVID-19 test results and prohibited testing on prospective patients.

June 2020: Over 6,000 New York state nursing home residents died of COVID-19

As of June 2020, more than 6,000 New York state nursing home residents had died of COVID-19, leading to criticism of the Cuomo administration's policies.

November 2020: Cuomo Allegedly Gropes Aide at Governor's Mansion

In November 2020, an unnamed aide reported being summoned to the governor's mansion where Andrew Cuomo allegedly groped her after she had been summoned to governor's mansion. When she told him it would get him in trouble, Cuomo allegedly shut the door and said "I don't care" before continuing to groping one of her breasts over her bra by reaching under her blouse.

December 13, 2020: Lindsey Boylan accused Cuomo of sexual harassment

On December 13, 2020, Lindsey Boylan, a former aide for Cuomo, alleged that Cuomo sexually harassed her for years and created a toxic team environment.

2020: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Begin

Beginning in late 2020, Andrew Cuomo faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.

January 2021: Report on Nursing Home Deaths

In January 2021, a report by state attorney general Letitia James found that the Cuomo administration had undercounted COVID-19-related deaths at nursing homes by as much as 50%.

February 2021: New York's High Hospitalization Rate

In February 2021, despite Andrew Cuomo's book proclaiming victory, New York had the highest per capita hospitalization rate in the country.

February 27, 2021: Charlotte Bennett accused Cuomo of sexual harassment

On February 27, 2021, Charlotte Bennett, an executive assistant and health policy advisor of Cuomo, accused him of sexual harassment, saying that he asked her about her sex life on several occasions in late spring 2020.

March 1, 2021: Beth Garvey instructed Letitia James to proceed with an independent investigation of Cuomo

On March 1, 2021, Cuomo's senior counsel Beth Garvey instructed New York Attorney General Letitia James to proceed with an independent investigation of Cuomo.

March 11, 2021: New York Assembly Approves Impeachment Investigation

On March 11, 2021, the New York Assembly approved a separate impeachment investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations made against Cuomo.

March 2021: Allegations surfaced that Cuomo prioritized COVID-19 tests for family and associates

In March 2021, allegations emerged that Cuomo prioritized COVID-19 tests for his family and other associates during the early stages of the pandemic when tests were limited.

August 3, 2021: Attorney General Releases Report Concluding Cuomo Sexually Harassed 11 Women

On August 3, 2021, Attorney General James released a report concluding a five-month investigation. The report concluded that during Cuomo's time in office, he sexually harassed 11 women. The investigation concluded that Cuomo's behavior 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.

August 10, 2021: Cuomo Announces Resignation as Governor

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.

August 2021: Accusations of Sexual Harassment

In August 2021, a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James detailed accusations of sexual harassment by Andrew Cuomo and his attempts to silence victims, leading to calls for his removal from office.

August 2021: Report Finds Cuomo Sexually Harassed Women

In August 2021, a report from independent investigators commissioned by Letitia James found that Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women from 2013 through 2020 and retaliated against victims who made complaints about his conduct.

August 23, 2021: Cuomo Resigns from Office

On August 23, 2021, Andrew Cuomo resigned from office amidst an impeachment investigation against him.

August 24, 2021: Cuomo Resigns as Governor

On August 24, 2021, Andrew Cuomo resigned as Governor of New York, effective immediately, in the face of almost certain removal from office due to sexual harassment allegations.

October 28, 2021: Cuomo to Be Charged with Misdemeanor Sex Crime

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.

November 16, 2021: JCOPE revoked authorization for Cuomo's book and ordered suspension of further printing

On November 16, 2021, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) revoked its prior authorization for Cuomo to publish his book, and ordered the suspension of any further printing, citing the use of state resources in writing, editing, and publishing the book.

2022: Criminal Charge Dropped

In 2022, a criminal charge in Albany County against Andrew Cuomo was dropped.

2022: NY State Attorney General Attempts to Prevent State Paying Cuomo's Legal Fees

In 2022, the New York State Attorney General attempted to prevent the state from being required to pay for a portion of Cuomo's legal fees relating to the sexual misconduct scandal. However, Cuomo went to court where he would successfully sue the AG, claiming that the state was required to pay for those legal fees.

May 2023: Supreme Court overturned Joseph Percoco's bribery conviction.

In May 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the bribery conviction of Joseph Percoco.

September 11, 2023: New York State Supreme Court ruled in Cuomo's favor regarding COEAL's authority

On September 11, 2023, the New York State Supreme Court ruled in Cuomo's favor, claiming that the new commission (COEAL) was unconstitutional.

November 24, 2023: Commisso Files Lawsuit Against Cuomo Under New York Adult Survivors Act

On November 24, 2023, Brittany Commisso filed a lawsuit against Cuomo alleging sexual harassment under the New York Adult Survivors Act. 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.

October 2024: U.S. House subcommittee found Cuomo reviewed and edited a nursing home report

In October 2024, a U.S. House of Representatives select subcommittee found that Cuomo reviewed, edited, and even drafted portions of a supposedly independent report on nursing home policies during the pandemic.

January 7, 2025: Trial hearings started in the New York State High Court of Appeals

On January 7, 2025, trial hearings started in the New York State High Court of Appeals regarding the constitutionality of the new commission and the probe on Cuomo's book.

February 18, 2025: Top court declared the new commission is constitutional

On February 18, 2025, the New York State High Court of Appeals declared that the new commission is constitutional, allowing the probe on Cuomo's book to continue.

March 2025: Total Costs of Cuomo's Scandals Reach $61 Million

According to the Comptroller of New York State, the total costs relating to the investigations and legal cases from Cuomo's multiple scandals, had reached around $61 million by March 2025. These legal and investigative costs have become controversial as the costs would have to be paid by the general public via taxes.

March 21, 2025: Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against State Comptroller Over Legal Fees

On March 21, 2025, Cuomo opened a new lawsuit against the state comptroller after the comptroller rejected to pay for a separate case against the AG that was dismissed by the court a month before. Cuomo claims that he is entitled for the state to pay for his case because it involves activity that occurred when he was in office.

May 2025: Department of Justice opened an investigation into Cuomo's testimony

In May 2025, the Department of Justice opened an investigation into Cuomo's statements in his testimony to Congress.

May 2025: U.S. Department of Justice Investigation

As of May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice has an open investigation into Andrew Cuomo's testimony on his involvement with a questionable report used to combat criticism of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 22, 2025: Cuomo's X Account Posts AI-Generated Racist Advertisement

On October 22, 2025, Cuomo's X (previously Twitter) account posted an AI-generated advertisement that depicted a fictionalized New York in which his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, was elected. The video was widely condemned as "racist" and "disgusting".

November 4, 2025: Cuomo Loses Mayoral Election

On November 4, 2025, Cuomo lost the general election to Mamdani.

2025: Cuomo Runs for Mayor of New York City

In 2025, Andrew Cuomo ran for Mayor of New York City as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. He would ultimately lose in the general election as well.

2025: Legal Costs Become a Talking Point in Mayoral Primary

In 2025, the issue over the legal and investigative costs has become a major talking point by Cuomo's opponents in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary, where some have asked Cuomo to pay back the $61 million to the state.