Brooklyn Democratic Leader Backs Cuomo But Will Nursing Home Scandal Derail His Bid to Become NYC Mayor?

Brooklyn Democratic Leader Backs Cuomo

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is actively securing endorsements in his bid to become New York City’s next mayor. Notably, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, leader of Brooklyn’s Democratic Party, recently announced her support for Cuomo, emphasizing his leadership experience during challenging times.

Bichotte, whose husband, Edu Hermelyn, is working on Cuomo’s campaign through his role as a senior vice president at consulting firm Mercury, said in a statement, “Cuomo not only has the right leadership skills but has an extensive plan with a strong network of support to tackle the unique issues and crises our city is facing today.”

The Shadow of the Nursing Home Scandal

However, Cuomo’s candidacy is overshadowed by controversies from his tenure as governor, particularly his administration’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A directive issued on March 25, 2020, mandated that nursing homes admit COVID-19 positive patients, a decision critics argue led to thousands of fatalities among seniors.

Attorney General Report Exposes Undercounting of Deaths

A probe by Attorney General Letitia James’ office revealed in January 2021 that the governor’s administration underreported the nursing home death count by more than 50%—from 8,711 to over 13,000.

The 76-page report surveyed 62 nursing homes and found that the state had undercounted the fatalities there by an average of 56%.

Calls for Accountability and Criminal Prosecution

These revelations have led to calls for accountability. According to a House Select Subcommittee report, Cuomo was referred for potential criminal prosecution for allegedly making false statements to Congress about his administration’s actions during the pandemic.

Families of nursing home victims have been vocal in their opposition to Cuomo’s mayoral bid, urging voters to reject his candidacy.

“Cuomo lied before Congress,” said Tracey Alvino, director of Voices for Seniors, whose father died from COVID in a nursing home. “It’s a crime. It’s proven by the emails. He should be prosecuted. I would love to see him in an orange jumpsuit.”

Endorsements Come with Political Risks

Elected officials and unions endorsing Cuomo must navigate potential backlash from their constituencies and members, balancing the former governor’s political influence against the controversies surrounding his past decisions.

Will Voters Overlook Cuomo’s Controversial Past?

As the mayoral race intensifies, voters are tasked with evaluating candidates’ past actions and current endorsements. Cuomo’s ability to overcome the shadow of the nursing home scandal remains uncertain, and whether his accumulating endorsements will suffice to secure victory is a question only the electorate can answer.