Challenges Faced by Andrew Cuomo: Obstacles and Turning Points

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Andrew Cuomo

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

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.

1998: Testimony by Susan Gaffney

In 1998, Susan Gaffney testified about attacks on her office by Cuomo and aides, including charges of racism, insubordination, malfeasance, and dirty-dealing.

1999: Inspector General's Report on Community Builders

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 Cuomo's initiatives "had a crippling effect on many of HUD's ongoing operations".

2000: Karen Hinton Alleges Inappropriate Behavior

In 2000, Karen Hinton alleged that Cuomo asked personal questions and inappropriately hugged her in his hotel room.

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.

2007: Subprime Mortgage Crisis

Some believe that during Cuomo's tenure as HUD Secretary his pushing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more home loans issued to poor homeowners in an attempt to end discrimination against minorities helped lead to the 2007–2010 subprime mortgage crisis.

2010: Subprime Mortgage Crisis

Some believe that during Cuomo's tenure as HUD Secretary his pushing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy more home loans issued to poor homeowners in an attempt to end discrimination against minorities helped lead to the 2007–2010 subprime mortgage crisis.

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.

2012: Cuomo aims to reduce public employee pensions

In 2012, Cuomo stated that his top goal was the reduction of public employee pensions.

2012: Webster Shooting

In response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the 2012 Webster shooting, Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act of 2013, 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.

July 2014: Moreland Commission Investigations Directed Away From Politically Damaging Investigations

In July 2014, it was reported that the Moreland Commission, established by Cuomo to root out corruption in politics, was directed away from investigations that could be politically damaging. Cuomo later disbanded the commission.

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.

September 2016: Joseph Percoco Indicted in Bribery Investigation

In September 2016, Joseph Percoco, a close friend and former top aide to Cuomo, was indicted as part of a bribery investigation into the Buffalo Billion. Cuomo was not accused of wrongdoing.

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

In June 2017, following a series of subway disasters, Cuomo declared a "state of emergency" for the New York City Subway system.

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: Lindsey Boylan Claims Cuomo Goaded Her to Play Strip Poker

In 2017, Lindsey Boylan claimed that Cuomo goaded her to play strip poker with him while on a flight.

March 2018: Joseph Percoco Convicted on Felony Charges

In March 2018, a federal jury convicted Joseph Percoco on felony charges of solicitation of bribes and honest services fraud for over $315,000 in bribes.

September 2018: Joseph Percoco Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

In September 2018, Judge Valerie Caproni sentenced Joseph Percoco to 6 years in prison.

February 2019: Cuomo's approval rating drops to lowest of his tenure

In February 2019, an opinion poll showed Andrew Cuomo's approval rating dropping to 43%, the lowest of his tenure as governor, with 50% disapproval.

September 2019: Anna Ruch Alleges Cuomo Touched Her Without Consent

In September 2019, Anna Ruch alleged Cuomo had sexually harassed her and touched her without consent on her bare lower back while posing for a photograph at a wedding reception.

March 1, 2020: Cuomo issues statement regarding novel coronavirus in New York

On March 1, 2020, Andrew Cuomo issued a statement regarding the novel coronavirus in New York, mentioning the first positive case in the state.

March 2, 2020: Cuomo says community transmission of new coronavirus is "inevitable"

On March 2, 2020, Andrew Cuomo stated that community transmission of the new coronavirus was "inevitable" and announced plans to ramp up diagnostic testing in New York City.

March 3, 2020: Cuomo signs $40 million emergency management authorization for coronavirus response

On March 3, 2020, Andrew Cuomo signed a $40 million emergency management authorization for coronavirus response, while claiming New York's overall risk remained low.

March 4, 2020: Cuomo confirms nine new cases in the state

On March 4, 2020, Andrew Cuomo confirmed nine new coronavirus cases in New York State and acknowledged the inevitability of further spread.

March 6, 2020: Cuomo criticizes federal government's response to COVID-19 outbreak

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

March 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test of Chris Cuomo Amid Conflict of Interest

In March 2020, Cuomo's brother, Chris, tested positive for COVID-19, raising questions of conflict of interest.

March 2020: Nursing Home Policy

In March 2020, New York had a policy to admit Covid patients to nursing homes.

March 25, 2020: New York State Department of Health issued an advisory requiring the admission of patients to nursing homes who test positive for the coronavirus

On March 25, 2020, the New York State Department of Health issued an advisory requiring the admission of patients to nursing homes who test positive for the coronavirus.

June 2020: COVID-19 Infected Patients Sent to Nursing Homes

By June 2020, as many as 4,500 COVID-19 infected patients had been sent to nursing homes in New York state which was said to have contributed to over 6,000 New York state nursing home residents dying of COVID-19.

July 2020: Report on Nursing Home Infections

In July 2020, the New York State Department of Health released a report that found that peak nursing home admissions occurred a week after peak nursing home mortality and concluded that asymptomatic nursing home staff drove the infections.

November 2020: Unnamed aide groping allegation

In November 2020, an unnamed aide alleged that Cuomo inappropriately touched her at the governor's mansion after being summoned. She claimed Cuomo rose from his desk, groped her, shut the door, and said "I don't care" after she told him it would get him in trouble. He then returned and groped one of her breasts over her bra by reaching under her blouse.

December 13, 2020: Lindsey Boylan Accuses Cuomo of Sexual Harassment

On December 13, 2020, Lindsey Boylan, a former aide for Cuomo, alleged that Cuomo sexually harassed her for years.

2020: Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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

2020: Cuomo Asked Bennett About Her Sex Life

In late Spring 2020, Charlotte Bennett said that Cuomo asked her about her sex life on several occasions and if she had been in sexual relationships with older men.

January 28, 2021: Investigation Concludes Undercounting of COVID-19-Related Deaths

On January 28, 2021, an investigation conducted by state attorney general Letitia James concluded that the Cuomo administration undercounted COVID-19-related deaths at nursing homes by as much as 50%.

February 12, 2021: Cuomo Administration Delayed Release of COVID-19 Death Data

On February 12, 2021, Melissa DeRosa, a top aide to Cuomo, said that the Cuomo administration delayed the release of data pertaining to COVID-19 deaths from nursing home patients who died in hospitals while responding to an inquiry that former President Donald Trump had directed the Department of Justice to consider investigating.

February 2021: New York had highest per capita hospitalization rate in the country

By February 2021, despite Cuomo's claim of defeating the virus in his book "American Crisis", New York had the highest per capita hospitalization rate in the country.

February 2021: Lindsey Boylan Elaborates on Sexual Harassment Accusations

In February 2021, Lindsey Boylan further elaborated on her accusations, claiming Cuomo goaded her to play strip poker with him and forcibly kissed her on the mouth.

February 17, 2021: FBI and U.S. Attorney Investigate Nursing Home Incident

On February 17, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn announced they were investigating the incident.

February 27, 2021: Charlotte Bennett Accuses Cuomo of Sexual Harassment

On February 27, 2021, Charlotte Bennett accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, saying that he asked her about her sex life on several occasions in late Spring 2020 and if she had been in sexual relationships with older men. Cuomo denied the accusations.

March 1, 2021: Garvey instructs James to proceed with investigation

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 of Prioritized COVID-19 Testing

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

July 23, 2021: DOJ Will Not Investigate Cuomo's Handling of COVID-19 Deaths

On July 23, 2021, the DOJ announced that they would not pursue an investigation into Cuomo's handling of COVID-19-related deaths in state nursing homes, nor a possible cover up of nursing home deaths, as a result of no evidence of wrongdoing.

August 3, 2021: Attorney General James releases report

On August 3, 2021, Attorney General James released a report concluding that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women during his time in office, and that Cuomo's office had engaged in illegal retaliation against Boylan for her allegation against him.

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.

October 28, 2021: Cuomo to be charged with a 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 Revokes Authorization for Cuomo's Book

On November 16, 2021, the JCOPE revoked its prior authorization for Cuomo to publish his book, citing that Cuomo utilized state staff, buildings, and resources in writing, editing, and publishing the book.

American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

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.

December 23, 2021: Nassau County DA declines filing criminal charges

On December 23, 2021, Nassau county District Attorney Joyce Smith declined filing criminal charges against Cuomo.

December 28, 2021: Westchester County DA declines to issue criminal charges

On December 28, 2021, the Westchester County District Attorney declined to issue criminal charges against Cuomo, citing "statutory requirements" of New York.

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.

2021: Investigation into Cuomo's Book Deal

In mid 2021, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) started investigating a publication deal Cuomo made over his book "American Crisis: Leadership lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic". The investigation was initiated based on allegations that Cuomo used tax payer money to write and create the book and that he had used his position to promote the book.

American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

January 4, 2022: Albany County District Attorney drops criminal complaint

On January 4, 2022, Albany County District Attorney David Soares dropped a criminal complaint against Cuomo and announced that Cuomo would not face any other charges related to other groping allegations, citing lack of evidence.

January 31, 2022: Final sexual misconduct case dropped

On January 31, 2022, the fifth and final sexual misconduct case against Cuomo, made by Virginia Limmiatis, was dropped by Oswego district attorney Gregory Oakes, effectively clearing him of all charges.

November 24, 2023: Commisso files lawsuit

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 and that then-Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul demoted her to menial tasks in lower offices. Cuomo's attorney responded claiming that Commisso's claims were false and an attempt at a "cash-grab".

January 7, 2025: Trial hearings started on Cuomo's book

On January 7, 2025, trial hearings started on the appeals to the New York State High Court of Appeals for Cuomo's book.

February 18, 2025: Top court declared that the new commission is constitutional, and thus the probe on Cuomo's book continues

On February 18, 2025, the top court declared that the new commission is constitutional, and thus the probe on Cuomo's book continues.

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.