An embattled former governor’s attempt to return to New York City politics is now complicated by a federal investigation.

A criminal probe has been launched into Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York and current front-runner in the city’s mayoral race, as reported by Breitbart News. The investigation centers on allegations that Cuomo lied to Congress about his handling of Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes during the height of the pandemic.

Federal authorities began their inquiry about a month ago, citing pressure from Republican members of Congress who accuse Cuomo of misleading lawmakers during his testimony. This follows the dramatic resignation of Cuomo in 2021 after a decade in office, which was prompted by sexual harassment allegations, and comes as he seeks to unseat current Mayor Eric Adams.

Republicans demand answers over nursing home testimony

Republican members of Congress have been vocal in their calls for a full investigation into Cuomo’s actions as governor. They allege that Cuomo provided false information while testifying before Congress regarding the number of Covid-19 deaths in New York’s nursing homes. Critics argue that Cuomo’s administration deliberately underreported the fatalities to avoid political fallout.

The U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, D.C., reportedly leads the probe, according to unnamed sources cited by the New York Times and Breitbart News. These developments come on the heels of the Justice Department dropping separate criminal corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo’s chief rival in the mayoral race. The timing of both legal actions has fueled speculation about the political motivations behind each case.

Cuomo’s previous tenure as governor was marked by both praise and controversy. His handling of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic earned him national attention, but subsequent revelations about nursing home data and allegations of sexual harassment led to his resignation in disgrace. While prosecutors dropped the sexual harassment charges in January 2022, the nursing home controversy has continued to cast a shadow over his political ambitions.

Cuomo campaign denounces lawfare and election interference

Cuomo’s campaign and legal representatives have vigorously denied any wrongdoing connected to the congressional testimony on nursing home deaths. Campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi told CBS News that neither Cuomo nor his legal team had been contacted by law enforcement regarding the current investigation. He strongly suggested that the timing and nature of the federal inquiry are politically motivated.

“The answer is obvious: This is lawfare and election interference plain and simple — something President Trump and his top Department of Justice officials say they are against,” Azzopardi said, according to CBS.

Supporters of Cuomo have rallied around the former governor, arguing that the investigation is a deliberate attempt to damage his mayoral bid. They contend that political opponents are exploiting the justice system to influence the outcome of the election. Despite the ongoing controversy, Cuomo’s campaign has raised approximately $2.5 million in donations, not including millions collected by a super PAC supporting his run.

Cuomo remains defiant, insisting that he did nothing wrong while serving as governor. He and his supporters continue to push back against the allegations, characterizing the renewed scrutiny as an extension of past political attacks. Polling data cited by Breitbart News indicates that Cuomo is currently the front-runner in the race, even as the criminal probe threatens to overshadow his campaign.

Political implications for mayoral race and beyond

The investigation into Cuomo comes at a time of heightened political tension in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams, who recently had corruption charges against him dropped, is now running for re-election as an independent. Adams has pledged to work with President Donald Trump on efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, marking a shift in his political alliances and campaign rhetoric.

Cuomo’s return to the political arena has drawn mixed reactions from voters and political observers. Some see his experience as an asset during a turbulent time for the city, while others remain skeptical due to his past controversies. The ongoing federal probe may further polarize public opinion and intensify the mayoral race.

Both Cuomo and Adams face significant challenges as they compete for control of City Hall. The outcome of the criminal investigation could have far-reaching consequences for Cuomo’s campaign and for the broader political landscape in New York. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers continue to press for accountability and transparency regarding the state’s handling of the pandemic.

Federal inquiry could determine Cuomo’s political future

Federal prosecutors in Washington began examining Andrew Cuomo’s congressional testimony about a month ago, following calls from Republican lawmakers to investigate whether the former governor lied about Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes. The probe could ultimately determine whether Cuomo’s comeback bid survives or collapses under legal scrutiny.

Despite the investigation, Cuomo’s campaign remains well-funded and he continues to lead in early polling as the Democratic primary approaches. If criminal charges are filed, the mayoral race would be upended, potentially shifting the balance of power in New York City politics.