45 Facts About Andrew Cuomo

Early Life and Education

Andrew Cuomo's journey began in a politically active family, setting the stage for his future in public service.

1. Andrew Mark Cuomo was born on December 6, 1957, in Queens, New York City.
2. His father, Mario Cuomo, served as the Governor of New York from 1983 to 1995.
3. Cuomo graduated from Fordham University in 1979.
4. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Albany Law School in 1982.

Early Career and Advocacy

Cuomo's early career was marked by his commitment to social issues and public service.

5. As a teenager, Cuomo helped his father campaign for state office by putting up posters.
6. After law school, he worked as his father's senior adviser in Albany.
7. Cuomo managed his father's successful 1986 gubernatorial reelection campaign.
8. From 1984 to 1985, he served as an assistant district attorney in New York City.
9. He briefly worked at the law firm of Blutrich, Falcone & Miller.
10. In 1986, Cuomo founded Housing Enterprises for the Less Privileged (HELP), focusing on transitional housing for the homeless.
11. From 1990 to 1993, he chaired the New York City Homeless Commission.

Federal Government Service

Cuomo's work at the federal level showcased his dedication to housing and urban development.

12. In 1993, Cuomo was appointed Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
13. He played a crucial role in introducing policies to move the homeless into permanent housing.
14. Cuomo was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of HUD in 1997.
15. He served as HUD Secretary until the end of Clinton's administration in 2001.

Return to New York and Attorney General

After his time in Washington, Cuomo returned to New York to continue his political career.

16. Cuomo ran for governor in 2002 but lost.
17. He served as New York's Attorney General from 2007 to 2010.
18. As Attorney General, he investigated scandals and advocated for consumer rights.

Governor of New York

Cuomo's tenure as governor was marked by significant policy initiatives and controversies.

19. Cuomo won the 2010 Democratic primary for governor.
20. He defeated Republican nominee Carl Paladino in the general election with over 60% of the vote.
21. Cuomo was re-elected in 2014 and 2018.
22. He signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in New York.
23. In 2014, Cuomo announced a ban on fracking.
24. His administration oversaw tax cuts and an increase in the minimum wage.
25. Cuomo signed the NY SAFE Act of 2013, implementing strict gun control measures.
26. He expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
27. Cuomo's administration oversaw significant infrastructure projects like the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.
28. He managed the reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport.
29. Cuomo decommissioned the Indian Point nuclear plant, leading to an uptick in greenhouse gas emissions.

Leadership Style and Media Presence

Cuomo's leadership style and media presence were both admired and criticized.

30. Cuomo was known for his intense and driven management style.
31. His news conferences were a staple of his governance.
32. Cuomo's election campaigns took a smash-mouth approach to electoral politics.
33. He held power over the vast political bureaucracy of New York.
34. Cuomo faced allegations of sexual harassment in August 2021.
35. He announced his resignation on August 10, 2021, effective two weeks later.
36. Cuomo left office on August 24, 2021, succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

Legacy and Impact

Cuomo's legacy is a mix of significant achievements and controversies.

37. Cuomo's legacy is complex, with significant victories like legalizing same-sex marriage and expanding Medicaid.
38. His administration was marred by controversies, including the handling of nursing home data during the COVID-19 pandemic.
39. Cuomo launched the Buffalo Billion initiative to revitalize western New York.
40. He was known for his deal-making skills, often working with Republicans in the state Senate.
41. Cuomo's media presence was significant, shaping public opinion.
42. He was never implicated in any financial scandals.
43. Cuomo married Kerry Kennedy in 1990, but they divorced in 2005.
44. He then married Sandra Lee in 2016, but they announced their separation in 2019.
45. Cuomo's impact on New York state extends beyond his policy initiatives, transforming infrastructure and leaving a lasting legacy in social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Cuomo's Complex Legacy

Andrew Cuomo's time as New York's governor was a rollercoaster of achievements and controversies. He pushed for same-sex marriage, expanded Medicaid, and tackled infrastructure projects like the Second Avenue Subway. His intense management style and deal-making skills often got results but also drew criticism. The NY SAFE Act and the fracking ban showed his commitment to public safety and the environment. Yet, his handling of nursing home data during COVID-19 and sexual harassment allegations cast a shadow over his tenure. Cuomo's resignation in 2021 marked the end of an era filled with both progress and scandal. His legacy remains a mix of significant policy victories and controversial decisions, leaving a lasting impact on New York state.