25 Political Facts About Andrew Cuomo

Early Life and Education

Andrew Cuomo's journey into politics began long before he held office. His early life and education played a significant role in shaping his political career.

1. Born on December 6, 1957, in Queens, New York, Andrew Cuomo grew up in a politically active family.
2. His father, Mario Cuomo, served as the Governor of New York for three terms from 1983 to 1994.
3. Andrew attended Archbishop Molloy High School, a prestigious Catholic school in Queens.
4. He graduated from Fordham University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
5. Cuomo earned his Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1982, preparing him for a career in law and politics.

Early Political Career

Before becoming a prominent political figure, Cuomo gained experience through various roles and initiatives.

6. In 1982, he managed his father's successful campaign for Governor of New York.
7. Cuomo served as an assistant district attorney in New York City after law school.
8. He founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP) in 1986, a nonprofit organization aimed at addressing homelessness.
9. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed him as Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
10. By 1997, Cuomo was promoted to Secretary of HUD, a position he held until 2001.

Attorney General of New York

Cuomo's tenure as Attorney General of New York marked a significant phase in his political career, where he tackled various issues head-on.

11. Elected as New York's Attorney General in 2006, he served from 2007 to 2010.
12. Cuomo launched investigations into the student loan industry, leading to reforms and settlements with major lenders.
13. He pursued cases against public corruption, including the investigation of former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi.
14. Cuomo took on environmental issues, suing coal-burning power plants for violating the Clean Air Act.
15. He also focused on consumer protection, targeting fraudulent mortgage practices during the subprime mortgage crisis.

Governor of New York

Cuomo's most notable role came when he was elected as the Governor of New York, a position he held for three terms.

16. Elected as Governor in 2010, Cuomo succeeded David Paterson.
17. He won re-election in 2014 and 2018, serving until his resignation in 2021.
18. Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, legalizing same-sex marriage in New York.
19. He implemented the SAFE Act in 2013, one of the strictest gun control laws in the United States.
20. Cuomo launched the Excelsior Scholarship program in 2017, offering free tuition at public colleges for eligible New York residents.

Controversies and Challenges

Cuomo's career was not without its controversies and challenges, which ultimately led to his resignation.

21. In 2020, Cuomo faced criticism for his handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes, where thousands of residents died.
22. Multiple women accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, leading to an investigation by the New York Attorney General's office.
23. The investigation concluded that Cuomo had sexually harassed multiple women, prompting calls for his resignation.
24. On August 10, 2021, Cuomo announced his resignation, effective August 24, 2021.
25. Despite his resignation, Cuomo has maintained his innocence and continues to be a polarizing figure in American politics.

Cuomo's Political Legacy

Andrew Cuomo's political career is a mix of achievements and controversies. Serving as New York's governor for over a decade, he tackled issues like same-sex marriage, gun control, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during the pandemic earned praise but also faced criticism for handling nursing home data. Cuomo's tenure saw significant infrastructure projects and progressive policies, yet allegations of misconduct led to his resignation in 2021. His legacy is complex, marked by both commendable public service and personal scandals. Understanding Cuomo's political journey offers insights into the challenges and responsibilities of public office. His story serves as a reminder of the impact leaders have on society and the scrutiny they face. Whether viewed as a dedicated public servant or a flawed leader, Cuomo's time in office left an indelible mark on New York's political landscape.