Fact Check: Cuomo's Refusal to Apologize for Scandals Alienated Voters
What We Know
Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, faced multiple scandals during his tenure, particularly regarding allegations of sexual harassment and his administration's handling of COVID-19 nursing home deaths. In March 2021, Cuomo publicly acknowledged that he had acted inappropriately, stating, “I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable” and offered an apology, but he simultaneously refused to resign from office (New York Times). This duality in his response has been interpreted by many as a failure to fully take responsibility for his actions, which contributed to a significant decline in his popularity among voters.
Despite the controversies, Cuomo has received endorsements from some political figures, indicating that not all voters were alienated. For instance, Citizens Union, a good government group, called for his resignation in 2021 but later endorsed him for a mayoral bid in 2025 (Governing). This suggests that while some voters were alienated, others remained supportive.
Analysis
The claim that Cuomo's refusal to apologize for his scandals alienated voters is supported by evidence of declining approval ratings and public sentiment. Following the sexual harassment allegations, Cuomo's approval ratings plummeted, with many Democrats calling for his resignation (New York Times). His initial response, which included an apology but no resignation, was perceived by some as insincere, leading to skepticism about his contrition (New York Times). Critics, including those who accused him of harassment, labeled his apologies as inadequate and politically motivated, further alienating segments of the electorate (New York Times).
However, it is crucial to note that Cuomo's political career has not been entirely defined by these scandals. His recent endorsement by Citizens Union indicates that there remains a faction of voters who support him despite the controversies (Governing). Additionally, during a recent mayoral debate, Cuomo faced pointed criticism regarding his past actions, yet he maintained a defiant stance, suggesting that he believes he still has a base of support (New York Post). This complexity indicates that while many voters were alienated, others may still view him favorably.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the New York Times being a well-respected news outlet known for its investigative journalism. The New York Post, while sometimes criticized for sensationalism, provides relevant insights into the current political landscape and public opinion.
Conclusion
The claim that "Cuomo's refusal to apologize for scandals alienated voters" is Partially True. While it is evident that Cuomo's handling of the scandals led to a significant loss of support among many voters, as reflected in declining approval ratings and calls for resignation, there remains a portion of the electorate that continues to support him. His recent endorsements and ongoing political ambitions suggest that the impact of his scandals is not uniformly negative across all voter demographics.
