Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly exploring the possibility of running for mayor of New York City, as Mayor Eric Adams faces mounting criticism amidst ongoing investigations into his campaign.

According to the New York Post, sources indicate that Cuomo’s supporters are quietly spreading the news. One banking CEO has reportedly informed wealthy donors that Cuomo plans to enter the mayoral race next year. “His agents are spreading the word. They’re spreading the word that Cuomo is running,” one insider stated.

This potential bid comes at a time when Mayor Adams’ administration is under pressure, dealing with declining approval ratings and federal corruption investigations. These probes have already resulted in the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Adams’ chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg.

Cuomo stepped down as governor in August 2021 after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, all of which he denied. His time in office was also fraught with controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding his administration’s decision to move recovering COVID-19 patients into nursing homes.

Despite these past controversies, a report from July revealed that Cuomo paid a polling firm $68,000 earlier this year to assess his popularity, hinting at a potential political comeback with a mayoral run. “[Cuomo] still maintains a massive well of support from New York City and New York City voters despite how the administration ended,” former Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa said in an interview with *Forbes*.

A growing list of Democratic political figures is expected to challenge Mayor Adams in the next election, including state Senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, city Comptroller Brad Lander, and former Comptroller Scott Stringer, according to the New York Post