Andrew Cuomo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Cuomo
|
|
|---|---|
Cuomo in 2019
|
|
| 56th Governor of New York | |
| In office January 1, 2011 – August 23, 2021 |
|
| Lieutenant |
|
| Preceded by | David Paterson |
| Succeeded by | Kathy Hochul |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office August 5, 2020 – July 8, 2021 |
|
| Vice Chair | Asa Hutchinson |
| Preceded by | Larry Hogan |
| Succeeded by | Asa Hutchinson |
| Vice Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office July 26, 2019 – August 5, 2020 |
|
| Chair | Larry Hogan |
| Preceded by | Larry Hogan |
| Succeeded by | Asa Hutchinson |
| 64th Attorney General of New York | |
| In office January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2010 |
|
| Governor | Eliot Spitzer David Paterson |
| Preceded by | Eliot Spitzer |
| Succeeded by | Eric Schneiderman |
| 11th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| In office January 29, 1997 – January 20, 2001 |
|
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Deputy | Saul N. Ramirez Jr. |
| Preceded by | Henry Cisneros |
| Succeeded by | Mel Martínez |
| Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Community Planning and Development | |
| In office May 28, 1993 – January 29, 1997 |
|
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Skirma Kondratas |
| Succeeded by | Saul N. Ramirez Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Andrew Mark Cuomo
December 6, 1957 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Fight and Deliver (2025) |
| Spouse | |
| Domestic partner | Sandra Lee (2005–2019) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Mario Cuomo Matilda Raffa |
| Relatives | Cuomo family |
| Education |
|
| Signature |  |
Andrew Mark Cuomo (KWOH-moh born December 6, 1957) is an American politician and lawyer from New York. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His father, Mario Cuomo, was also a governor. Andrew Cuomo served as the 56th governor of New York from 2011 until he resigned in 2021.
Cuomo was born in Queens, New York City. He graduated from Fordham University and Albany Law School. He started his career working for his father's campaign. Later, he worked as a lawyer. He also led the New York City Homeless Commission. Cuomo then worked for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1993 to 2001. He was elected New York attorney general in 2006.
Cuomo won the election for governor of New York in 2010. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2018. His administration oversaw big construction projects. These included the Second Avenue Subway and the Moynihan Train Hall. They also rebuilt the Tappan Zee Bridge and LaGuardia Airport. He signed the NY SAFE Act in 2013. This was one of the strictest gun safety laws in the United States. He also expanded healthcare access for many New Yorkers. He worked to gradually increase the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Cuomo received national attention for his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York. He was initially praised for his leadership. However, he later faced criticism regarding his administration's handling of nursing homes during the pandemic. Reports found that his administration had not fully reported the number of COVID-19 related deaths in nursing homes.
In late 2020, Cuomo faced serious accusations regarding his conduct. An investigation found that he had acted inappropriately towards several women. Following this report, many people, including President Joe Biden, called for his resignation. On August 23, 2021, while an impeachment investigation was ongoing, Cuomo resigned from office. His lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul, took over as governor.
In March 2025, Cuomo announced he would run for mayor of New York City in the 2025 election. He lost the Democratic primary election in June 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Andrew Mark Cuomo was born on December 6, 1957, in the New York City borough of Queens. His parents were Mario Cuomo, a lawyer and future governor of New York, and Matilda Raffa.
Cuomo's parents were both of Italian descent. His family's roots trace back to Southern Italy. He has four siblings. His younger brother, Chris Cuomo, is a journalist.
Cuomo graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in 1975. This was a private Catholic school in Briarwood. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University in 1979. He then received a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School in 1982.
Starting His Career
After law school, Andrew Cuomo helped manage his father's successful 1982 campaign for governor. He then joined the governor's staff as a policy advisor.
From 1984 to 1985, Cuomo worked as a Manhattan assistant district attorney. He also briefly worked at a law firm. In 1986, he founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP). He left his law firm to run HELP full time in 1988. From 1990 to 1993, he led the New York City Homeless Commission. This commission worked to develop policies to address homelessness in the city. It also aimed to provide more housing options.
Working for the U.S. Government
In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Andrew Cuomo to work in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He started as an Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. HUD is a part of the U.S. government that helps people with housing and community development. After the previous Secretary left, Cuomo was chosen to succeed him. He served as Secretary from January 1997 until the Clinton administration ended in 2001.
In 2000, Cuomo led HUD efforts to reach an agreement with a handgun manufacturer. This agreement aimed to make guns safer. It also worked to keep them out of the hands of children and criminals. During Cuomo's time, HUD budgets focused on increasing affordable housing. They also aimed to boost home ownership. These efforts included new rental assistance and reforms to public housing. They also cracked down on housing discrimination. Programs were expanded to help homeless people find housing and jobs. New empowerment zones were also created.
During his time as HUD Secretary, Cuomo encouraged more home ownership. He also pushed government lenders to buy more home loans for lower-income homeowners. This was an effort to end discrimination against minorities. Some people believe this contributed to later housing market problems. Others disagree, saying his role was minor.
Before Cuomo's time, HUD was often listed as a government program with poor management. During his term, two of HUD's main departments were removed from this list. The department also cut 15 percent of its staff. This was part of Cuomo's plan to make operations more efficient.
Becoming New York's Attorney General
Election
Cuomo declared his candidacy for New York state attorney general in 2006. On May 30, he won the Democratic Party's endorsement. He received 65% of the delegates' votes. He won the primary election with a majority of the vote. This was seen as a big comeback for him. In the general election on November 7, 2006, he defeated the Republican nominee. He won with 58% of the vote.
Tenure
Student Loan Inquiry
In 2007, Cuomo led an important investigation. It looked into lending practices between student lenders and universities. Many universities directed students to a "preferred lender." This often led to students paying higher interest rates. This investigation led to changes in lending policy at many major American universities. Many universities also returned millions of dollars in fees to affected students.
Internet Safety
On June 10, 2008, Cuomo announced that three major Internet service providers would stop hosting certain online groups. This action was taken to help shut down sources of harmful content online.
Investigating Corruption
In 2009, Cuomo investigated a corruption scandal. This involved a scheme to get illegal payments. It included New York investigators and other state attorneys general.
Running for Governor
2010 Election
In September 2009, there were discussions about Andrew Cuomo running for governor in 2010. On May 22, 2010, Cuomo announced his run for governor. He chose Robert Duffy, the Mayor of Rochester, as his choice for lieutenant governor.
In the November 2, 2010, general election, Cuomo faced Republican Carl Paladino. Cuomo won the election for governor by a large margin. He received 62.6% of the vote.
2014 Election
Cuomo sought re-election in 2014. His new running mate was Kathy Hochul. On November 4, 2014, Cuomo was re-elected for a second term. He won with 54% of the vote. He won the general election by a comfortable margin. Cuomo was sworn in for his second term as governor.
2018 Election
Cuomo was challenged in the primary election by actress and activist Cynthia Nixon. He defeated Nixon with 65.5% of the vote.
On November 6, 2018, the Cuomo-Hochul ticket won the general election. They defeated their opponents with 59.6% of the vote.
2022 Election
In May 2019, Governor Cuomo announced he would run for a fourth term. In August 2021, a report was released by the attorney general of New York, Letitia James. This report detailed accusations against Governor Cuomo. It also mentioned his efforts to silence those who made complaints. The New York State Legislature's leaders indicated they would seek to remove Cuomo from office. While saying he was innocent, he announced his resignation as Governor. His resignation became effective on August 24, 2021.
Governor of New York (2011–2021)
Cuomo took the gubernatorial oath of office on January 1, 2011. He succeeded David Paterson. During his first year as governor, Cuomo worked to pass an on-time budget. This budget aimed to cut spending without raising taxes. He also signed ethics reform legislation. He passed a property tax cap. He worked to pass a same-sex marriage bill with support from both major parties. He also changed New York's tax rules.
There was talk in the media about a possible presidential run for Cuomo. This was discussed for both 2016 and 2020. Cuomo denied these ideas. In 2018, he helped unite different groups within the Democratic party.
In February 2019, a public opinion poll showed Cuomo's approval rating at 43%. This was the lowest during his time as governor. By early 2020, Cuomo's favorability rating went up to 77%. This was a record high for him.
Corporate Incentives
Cuomo supported giving tax breaks and other benefits to attract businesses to New York State. In 2018, he even joked he would change his name to "Amazon Cuomo." This was if Amazon chose New York for its second headquarters. His strong support for New York City's bid faced criticism. Some argued that the costs to the state were too high. Amazon decided to open two major offices, one in New York City. However, they later withdrew from the New York City plan due to local pressure.
Energy and Environment
In 2017, Cuomo announced that the Indian Point nuclear plant would close. This plant produced a quarter of New York City's power. Its closure led to more power being generated by fossil fuels. This made it harder for New York to meet its climate goals.
In June 2012, Cuomo's administration considered lifting a ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking). This was to help the economy in upstate New York. But critics worried that fracking could pollute the water supply. After a long study, New York State health officials found "significant public health risks" with fracking. On December 17, 2014, the Cuomo administration announced a ban on hydraulic fracturing in New York State.
Promoting Safety
Gun Safety Laws
On January 15, 2013, Cuomo signed the first state gun control bill. The NY SAFE Act was described as the toughest gun safety law in the United States. On July 5, 2013, Cuomo signed an update to the NY SAFE Act. This update exempted retired police officers from some ownership rules.
On April 2, 2018, Cuomo announced new legislation. This law prevents those convicted of domestic violence from owning any firearms. On February 25, 2019, Cuomo signed the "red flag" gun protection law. This law allows a court to temporarily stop someone from buying or having a gun. This happens if they are seen as a threat to themselves or others.
On July 30, 2019, Cuomo signed two more laws. One banned the making and selling of 3D printed guns. The other required safe storage of firearms. This applies when children younger than 16 years old live in a gun owner's home. On July 7, 2021, Cuomo declared the first 'disaster emergency' in the United States on gun crime for New York.
Knife Laws
Cuomo also changed laws about certain types of folding knives. He signed a law on May 30, 2019. This law removed the "gravity knife" from a list of prohibited weapons. This change aimed to prevent unfair arrests.
Hurricane Sandy Response
.jpg)
After Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Cuomo allowed New York voters to cast special ballots. This helped those who were displaced by the storm. He also created a commission to look into how New York utilities responded to the storm's damage.
There was some discussion when Cuomo's administration used $140 million for national TV ads. These ads promoted "New New York" slogans. They aimed to attract new businesses to the state. Some people criticized this effort. They called the ads "a waste of taxpayer money."
Improving Transportation
.jpg)
In June 2017, after several subway problems, Cuomo declared a "state of emergency" for the New York City Subway system. He focused on improving the subway system. He placed aides within the organization. He also pushed for the construction of the Second Avenue Subway.
Supporting Education
On April 18, 2017, Cuomo signed the New York State 2018 budget. It included the Excelsior Scholarship. This program allowed families earning less than $125,000 to have free tuition. This applied to all SUNY and CUNY universities.
Public Employees
On July 16, 2011, Cuomo reached a five-year agreement with the Public Employees Federation. This agreement aimed to manage state employee costs. In an interview, he stated his goal was to reduce public employee pension costs.
Public Housing
In the winter of 2018, Cuomo responded to a lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority. This lawsuit was brought by public housing tenants. It asked NYCHA to fix poor conditions in public housing units. By early April, Cuomo appointed an independent monitor to oversee NYCHA.
Taxes
Cuomo was praised for his 2011 changes to the New York State tax code. In 2021, he signed a tax increase for high-income workers and wealthy corporations. This increase will last until 2027.
Voting Rights
In April 2018, Cuomo announced he would restore voting rights for people on parolees. He did this through an executive order. He said he would consider restoring voting rights for over 35,000 parolees. He would also give voting rights to new parolees during his term.
After Being Governor
Cuomo filed for a state retirement pension. This became effective on September 1, 2021. It was based on his years of service as attorney general and governor.
On March 3, 2022, Cuomo made his first public appearance since resigning. He gave a speech in Brooklyn. He spoke about his experiences and hinted at a political comeback.
Running for Mayor of New York City
|
Fight and Deliver Party
|
|
|---|---|
| Leader | Andrew Cuomo |
| Founder | Andrew Cuomo |
| Founded | June 5, 2025 |
| Ideology | Moderate liberalism |
On March 1, 2025, Cuomo announced his candidacy in the 2025 New York City mayoral election. Cuomo focused on public safety and housing affordability in his campaign. He presented himself as a progressive because he had passed liberal policies. However, he was also seen as a moderate. Throughout the campaign, Cuomo highlighted his past experience as governor. He advocated for increasing the size of the police. He also supported a $20 minimum wage. He aimed to build 500,000 new homes and provide tax relief. Cuomo raised over $1.51 million in funds by March 17, 2025. He also formed a new political party called "Fight and Deliver." This gave him a second option on the ballot.
On June 24, Cuomo accepted that he had lost the Democratic nomination. This happened after the first round of results showed his opponent with a strong lead.
Electoral history
Personal Life
_Color_Balance.jpg)
Cuomo married Kerry Kennedy on June 9, 1990. She is the seventh child of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. They have three daughters: twins Cara and Mariah, and Michaela. They separated in 2003 and divorced in 2005.
Cuomo began dating Food Network host Sandra Lee in 2005. They lived together in Westchester County, New York. On September 25, 2019, the couple announced they had ended their relationship. From late 2019 until August 2021, Cuomo lived in the New York State Executive Mansion with his three daughters.
On July 4, 2015, Cuomo led the wedding ceremony for his long-time friend Billy Joel. Joel married his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick.
Cuomo is Catholic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo was sometimes called the "Love Gov." This happened after he showed a softer side while leading the state's response. He drives a 1968 Pontiac GTO and a Dodge Charger.
See Also
In Spanish: Andrew Cuomo para niños
