Andrew Mark Cuomo (born 6 December 1957 in Queens New York) is an American lawyer and politician. A member of the Democratic Party Cuomo served as the 56th governor of New York State from 2011 to 2021. He began his public service career in housing policy and has held various administrative roles at both federal and state levels.

Early Life and Education

Cuomo is the second child of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and Matilda Raffa Cuomo. He completed his undergraduate studies at Fordham University and graduated from Albany Law School. He began his career as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan and in 1986 founded the nonprofit Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP) which provides housing for homeless individuals.

Public Service and Political Career

Cuomo served as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from 1993 to 1997 and as secretary during President Bill Clinton’s administration from 1997 to 2001. In 2006 he was elected Attorney General of New York and won the gubernatorial election in 2010 taking office on 1 January 2011. During three terms as governor Cuomo focused on strengthening the state’s fiscal discipline increasing infrastructure investment and enacting social reforms.

During his tenure New York legalized same sex marriage incorporated the principles of the Roe v. Wade ruling into state law raised the minimum wage implemented a paid family leave program and provided tuition-free access to state universities. He also led major infrastructure projects including the renovation of LaGuardia and JFK airports the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall and the construction of the new Mario Cuomo Bridge.

Controversies and Resignation

Cuomo’s tenure was intensely scrutinized in public opinion due to his management of the COVID-19 pandemic and allegations of sexual harassment. A 2021 report issued by the New York Attorney General’s office found that Cuomo had engaged in inappropriate conduct toward multiple female employees. Cuomo denied the allegations but announced his resignation on 10 August 2021 amid mounting political pressure and officially left office on 24 August 2021. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

Current Political Activities

As of 2025 Cuomo is running for Mayor of New York City under the banner of the party he founded the Fight and Deliver Party. His campaign emphasizes public safety economic accessibility affordable housing expanded transportation and improved healthcare services.

Public Statements and Views

Cuomo has developed policies on social equality immigrant rights and strengthening the status of women in the workforce. In 2018 he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan stating that America could only reach greatness when all its citizens achieved equality.

Personal Life

Andrew Cuomo was married to Kerry Kennedy daughter of Robert F. Kennedy from 1990 to 2003. They have three daughters named Mariah Cara and Michaela. Beyond public life he has played an active role in social initiatives aimed at improving living conditions for the homeless and low income families.