The Weekly Watchdog

Welcome to week three of the Weekly Watchdog, and happy petitioning season to those who celebrate. Don’t forget to sign for candidates these next few weeks! Democracy is important. And for the last time for those in the back, in case you missed it, Citizens Union is back in your inbox every weekend to keep you up to date on the most important news impacting New York and good government policy. This Sunday morning brings some unsurprising news. Did you miss the big reveal? See below!

News Worth Clicking

Cuomo’s In Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo launches bid for mayor of NYC, challenging embattled Eric Adams Daily News By Josephine Stratman and Chris Sommerfeldt	Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has finally made it official; he’s attempting a political comeback and running for Mayor of New York City. After resigning as Governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment investigations and allegations into undercounting COVID deaths, Cuomo has been laying the groundwork for his political comeback for months now (if not years?). More on this below.
Is it Crowded in Here? Adrienne Adams takes first step toward NYC mayoral run. Will voters buy in Gothamist By Brigid Bergin	Whispers of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams running for Mayor got louder last week, as she took the official step to register her candidacy with the City’s Campaign Finance Board. Adams has quite the hill to climb to win, as Bergin points out, but being Speaker obviously has its perks, including building a citywide network to govern. Will she be able to successfully use that network and push the right buttons to get to Gracie Mansion?
Fewer Cars AND More Money? Congestion Pricing Reduced Traffic. Now It’s Hitting Revenue Goals The New York Times By Stefanos Chen and Winnie Hu	Meanwhile in the all-around-benefits department, the MTA released first revenue figures from the rollout of congestion pricing, revealing that the program raised $48.6 million in its first month. These stronger-than-expected numbers, with over two-thirds charged to passenger cars, have bolstered congestion pricing supporters, who are trying to keep the program alive in the face of federal opposition.
Let’s Get Our Money Back NYC sues federal government and President Trump to reclaim $80 million clawed back by FEMA NBC News By Melissa Russo	New York City finally filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing its money grab of already-awarded FEMA grants violated federal rules, and was based on unlawful grounds. This was a major test for Mayor Adams – who has avoided criticizing President Trump on even the most outrageous measures – and the City filed this lawsuit after Governor Hochul announced it would allow other NYC public officials to sue the feds, if needed.
State of the Mayor’s Race NYC mayoral race: Cuomo holds double-digit edge in latest poll as reports indicate he could launch campaign this weekend amNY By Ethan Stark Miller	Governor Cuomo enters the race with a sizeable lead, according to the latest poll. It’s early though, and there’s a lot more to come in the next few months, including a slew of attack ads that are likely to dent Cuomo’s numbers. amNY has a good rundown of the various narratives, including a surprising second-place finish in the poll.
State of the Gov’s Race Delgado won’t seek reelection, says ‘all options are on the table’ Times Union By Brendan Lyons	2026? We’re not even done with 2025! That may be true, but do you know two people who are done, at least with each other? Governor Kathy Hochul and her Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. The LG made the split official on Monday in a post on X, announcing he will not share a ticket with Hochul in 2026. The two have been drifting apart for some time now, and the Governor’s response (or at least her staff’s) to the news let it be known there was no love lost.
The Adams Case Hochul’s NYC guardrails proposal faces long odds in Assembly City & State By Rebecca Lewis	Governor Hochul’s proposal to defend the City from an apparent quid pro quo deal between Mayor Eric Adams and President Trump seems to have fallen short last week with Assembly Members. It doesn’t sound like Mayor Adams will resign or be removed soon, so unless legislators find some deal with Hochul, attention will soon shift back to the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse, where the future of the Mayor’s corruption case will be decided.
Some One-on-One Time With the Candidates	r as close as you’re probably going to get. It’s candidate profile time in New York City, as campaigns formally start collecting signatures to get on the ballot. So, we thought we’d provide you with the latest stories covering the people seeking your vote. Enjoy!
Andrew Cuomo Wants to Repair His Legacy—and New York City The Wall Street Journal By Ginger Adams Otis	First up, a profile on the newest candidate in the race, former Governor Cuomo, detailing his difficult but clear path to repairing his scandal-ridden image and winning the Democratic primary this June.
Why an Unknown Centrist Thinks He Can Become New York’s Next Mayor The New York Times By Ginia Bellafante	Next is independent candidate Jim Walden. Full disclosure, Walden is a former Board Member of Citizens Union. He stepped away from his role on the campaign trail, and this is a well-written profile of the centrist candidate that paints a clear picture of the steep hill he must climb to win.
Justin Brannan: ‘I’m a fighter’ NY1 By Errol Louis & Deanna Garcia	And let’s round it out with an Errol Louis interview of Council Member, Finance Committee Chair, and Comptroller candidate Justin Brannan. Brannan nabbed the Working Families Party’s first citywide endorsement of the election cycle last week and is making some noise in his campaign against Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine to be the City’s next chief auditor.