Who is Andrew Cuomo? Biography, Family Life, Political Career, And Net Worth

Andrew Mark Cuomo is a name synonymous with New York politics. Serving as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021, Cuomo has been both a celebrated and controversial figure in American public life. His career has been defined by ambitious policies, strong leadership, and a political downfall that shook the Democratic Party. Recently, he has announced his bid to run for Mayor of New York City, marking a significant political comeback.

This article explores his life, career, family, controversies, and what the future holds for him.

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Early Life and Education

Andrew Cuomo was born on December 6, 1957, in Queens, New York, into a family deeply involved in politics. His father, Mario Cuomo, served as the 52nd Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994, making politics a natural career choice for Andrew. His mother, Matilda Raffa Cuomo, was an advocate for children’s rights and education. Growing up in an environment rich in political discourse, Andrew was exposed to governance and leadership from a young age.

Cuomo attended St. Gerard Majella's School and later Archbishop Molloy High School. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Fordham University, graduating in 1979. He then went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School in 1982. His education played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of law, policy, and governance.

Family and Personal Life

In 1990, Andrew Cuomo married Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy. The couple had three daughters: twins Mariah and Cara, and their younger sister Michaela. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2005. Cuomo has since been in high-profile relationships, including one with television personality Sandra Lee, which ended in 2019.

Despite his political career keeping him in the public eye, Cuomo has often kept his personal life private. His close relationship with his daughters has been well-documented, particularly during his time as governor, when they frequently appeared alongside him during press briefings. He has spoken about the challenges of balancing political life with fatherhood and has emphasized the importance of family values in his personal and professional life.

Cuomo’s mother, Matilda Cuomo, has remained a significant influence in his life, especially in areas of public service and social advocacy. She was instrumental in various educational and mentorship programs, values that Cuomo has frequently referenced in his own work. His siblings have also been involved in public life, including Chris Cuomo, a former CNN anchor, who has publicly supported his brother throughout various political and personal challenges.

In addition to his political career, Cuomo is known for his passion for sports, fitness, and motorcycles. He is an avid fan of the New York Yankees and often enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. His love for motorcycles has been a long-standing hobby, and he has been seen riding at public events and charity gatherings.

Early Career and Rise in Politics

Cuomo began his career as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. In 1986, he founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP), a nonprofit organization aimed at addressing homelessness. His efforts in tackling housing issues gained him recognition, leading to his appointment as chair of the New York City Homeless Commission from 1990 to 1993.

His political ambitions took a national turn when he served as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001. During his tenure, Cuomo pushed for policies that promoted homeownership and fought against housing discrimination. His work at HUD solidified his reputation as a reformer and a policy expert.

Andrew Cuomo

Attorney General of New York (2007–2010)

In 2006, Cuomo was elected Attorney General of New York. His tenure was marked by aggressive investigations into corruption, Wall Street malpractices, and consumer rights violations. He played a pivotal role in uncovering financial frauds and took on major banks during the 2008 financial crisis. His strong stance against public corruption made him a formidable political figure and paved the way for his gubernatorial campaign.

Governor of New York (2011–2021)

Cuomo was elected Governor of New York in 2010 and was re-elected twice, serving three terms. His tenure saw a mix of progressive achievements and controversies. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

• Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage (2011): Cuomo played a critical role in passing the Marriage Equality Act, making New York one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage.

• Gun Control Measures: After the Sandy Hook tragedy, Cuomo championed the NY SAFE Act, which imposed strict gun control measures.

• Infrastructure Projects: He spearheaded major infrastructure projects, including the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

• COVID-19 Leadership: During the early months of the pandemic, Cuomo was widely praised for his daily briefings, transparent communication, and handling of the crisis. However, his administration later faced scrutiny over the reporting of nursing home deaths.

Resignation and Controversies

In 2021, Cuomo faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment from former staff members and colleagues. A report by New York Attorney General Letitia James concluded that he had engaged in inappropriate behavior with several women, leading to calls for his resignation. Despite denying the allegations, Cuomo stepped down in August 2021, avoiding a potential impeachment trial.

His resignation marked a dramatic fall from grace, and many believed his political career was over. However, Cuomo has remained active in public discussions and has hinted at a comeback multiple times.

Political Comeback: Running for Mayor of New York City

On March 1, 2025, Andrew Cuomo officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City. His campaign focuses on addressing issues such as:

• Rising crime rates

• Affordable housing and homelessness

• Economic development and job creation

• Infrastructure and public transportation improvements

His entry into the race is expected to be a game-changer, given his extensive experience and political influence. However, his past controversies may prove to be a significant hurdle in gaining public trust.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

As of 2024, Andrew Cuomo’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million. His wealth comes from his years in public service, book deals, and legal work. His 2020 book, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, was a bestseller but also drew controversy due to allegations that state resources were used to help produce it.

Conclusion

Andrew Cuomo’s career is one of resilience, ambition, and controversy. From his early days as a lawyer to his governorship and resignation, he has remained a defining figure in American politics. His recent mayoral bid signals his determination to reclaim a leadership role, but whether the public is ready to embrace him again remains to be seen.

As the New York City mayoral race unfolds, Cuomo’s experience, policy track record, and ability to navigate political storms will be tested. Whether he succeeds or not, his impact on New York politics is undeniable.

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