Key Takeaways:
- Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo faces criticism for illegal parking of his car during the NYC mayoral campaign.
- His car has received multiple traffic citations, including speeding in school zones.
- Cuomo’s campaign claims tickets were paid and the car was properly managed, but a NYPD officer confirmed illegal parking.
- Cuomo leads the mayoral race despite past controversies, but progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani is gaining support.
Illegal Parking Adds Fuel to the Fire for Cuomo’s Campaign
Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. This time, it’s not about his past controversies but something much more relatable: illegal parking.
On Monday, a photo of Cuomo’s Dodge parked illegally outside a union headquarters in New York City made waves online. The car was spotted in a left-turn lane, sparking criticism from opponents and the public alike.
Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state representative and mayoral candidate, was quick to weigh in. He called the incident “reckless and unlawful,” drawing parallels to Cuomo’s past behavior. This isn’t just a one-off mistake. According to reports, Cuomo’s car has racked up hundreds of dollars in traffic tickets since March. The violations include:
- Four tickets for speeding in a school zone.
- One ticket for illegally using a bus lane.
- One ticket for idling in a no-standing zone.
Esther Jensen, Cuomo’s campaign spokeswoman, defended the incidents. She explained that all tickets were paid and that the campaign worked with police to handle the parking situation. Jensen also emphasized that the car is driven by multiple staffers, who have since been reminded to follow traffic rules.
However, a nearby NYPD officer contradicted this claim. The officer told reporters that the car was indeed parked illegally and had already received two tickets. This discrepancy raises questions about how seriously the campaign is taking these violations.
Cuomo’s Past Controversies Come Back to Haunt Him
This parking drama is just the latest chapter in Cuomo’s rocky political journey. In 2021, he resigned as governor amid a wave of scandals.
First, multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior, describing actions that ranged from uncomfortable comments to outright predatory conduct. These allegations led to widespread calls for his resignation, which eventually came after an investigation by the New York Attorney General.
Second, Cuomo faced intense criticism for his handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argued that his policies contributed to a higher number of deaths in these facilities. While his administration disputed these claims, the controversy further eroded public trust in his leadership.
Despite these issues, Cuomo has emerged as a frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race. The incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, has struggled to maintain support amid his own controversies, including bribery accusations linked to the Turkish government.
The Race Tightens as Mamdani Gains Momentum
While Cuomo appears to be leading, the race is far from over. Progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani has been gaining ground, especially among voters looking for a fresh start from the scandals tied to Cuomo and Adams.
Mamdani’s campaign has focused on issues like affordable housing, public safety, and corruption reform. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach has resonated with many New Yorkers who are tired of politics as usual.
The parking incident, while seemingly minor, plays into Mamdani’s narrative that Cuomo is out of touch with everyday New Yorkers. “If he can’t follow basic traffic rules, how can he lead our city?” one voter remarked.
What’s Next for Cuomo’s Campaign?
The illegal parking incident may seem trivial compared to the major scandals in Cuomo’s past, but it speaks to a larger issue: perception. For voters already skeptical of Cuomo, this adds fuel to the fire.
The campaign has tried to downplay the issue, emphasizing that all tickets were paid and that staffers were responsible for the parking mishap. But the contradiction with the NYPD officer’s account has left some questioning the campaign’s transparency.
As the mayoral race heats up, every misstep—no matter how small—will be under a microscope. Cuomo’s ability to weather this storm will depend on whether voters are willing to give him another chance despite his troubled history.
For now, the parking incident serves as a reminder that even the smallest mistakes can have big consequences in politics.
In a city where every vote counts, Andrew Cuomo’s campaign will need to navigate these challenges carefully if he hopes to win over New Yorkers and make his political comeback a reality.