Ten elected officials who once demanded Andrew Cuomo’s resignation from the governorship over harassment allegations are now endorsing his political comeback.

The reversal includes several female lawmakers, sparking criticism from advocates who say the move undermines the Me Too movement and the fight against workplace harassment in government.

“Electeds’ support for Cuomo is a slap-in-the-face betrayal to government workers everywhere, including their own staff,” said Erica Vladimer, founder of the Harassment Working Group. “It’s cowardly for anyone who rightfully spoke up against Cuomo four years ago to now say, ‘Ho hum, second chances, let the voters decide.’”

Back in 2021, following a report from State Attorney General Letitia James that substantiated multiple harassment claims against Cuomo, many lawmakers publicly denounced the then-governor. Among them was Queens State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, who said at the time: “It is clear that there is a pattern of unacceptable and troubling behavior. The governor should resign or face impeachment.”

Now, Stavisky is one of several who have endorsed Cuomo’s mayoral campaign.

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who serves as Brooklyn’s Democratic Party chair, also reversed her stance. Once calling Cuomo’s resignation “a relief” and “in the interest of the people of this state,” she now praises his candidacy.

Brooklyn Councilwoman Farah Louis, who previously said Cuomo “could no longer lead New York State effectively,” is also among his current supporters.

Other officials who once called for Cuomo to resign but now support his mayoral run include State Sen. James Sanders Jr., Rep. Ritchie Torres, Rep. Gregory Meeks, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, and Assemblymen David Weprin and Ed Braunstein — all Democrats.

Cuomo, who has denied all harassment allegations, left office in 2021 amid mounting political pressure. His campaign now argues he’s been vindicated, pointing out that related criminal and civil cases were either dropped, dismissed, or closed without findings of guilt.

“New York is in crisis – a crisis of affordability, of quality of life, and of leadership,” said campaign spokesman Richard Azzopardi. “Governor Cuomo is the only person in this race with the proven track record to tackle these issues head-on. That’s why he has built a broad coalition of support that reflects our great city.”

He added, “Since the beginning, we said all of this was political and wasn’t going anywhere, and four years later, that has all borne out.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)