Early Life and Family Background

Andrew Mark Cuomo was born on December 6, 1957, in Queens, New York. He is the second son of Mario Cuomo, the 52nd governor of New York, and Matilda Raffa Cuomo, an advocate for women and children's rights. Raised in a politically active family, Cuomo developed an early interest in public service and government policy.

Personal Life and Relationship with Sandra Lee

Andrew Cuomo began a long-term relationship with television personality Sandra Lee in 2005. The couple never married but were frequently seen together at public events during Cuomo's political career, and Lee often accompanied him in her role as New York’s unofficial first lady. Despite maintaining separate careers, they shared a residence in Westchester County, New York.

In 2019, Cuomo and Lee announced their separation, stating that their lives were moving in different directions but that they remained close friends. Around the time of their split, Lee listed their shared home for sale, signaling a broader transition in their personal lives. Cuomo has three daughters—Mariah, Cara, and Michaela—from his previous marriage to Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy.

Early Career and Public Service

Cuomo began his political career by managing his father Mario Cuomo’s successful 1982 gubernatorial campaign. After earning a law degree, he worked as an assistant district attorney in New York City before establishing a private legal practice. He also founded the Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP), a nonprofit organization focused on homelessness. His leadership in this space led to his appointment as Chairman of the New York City Homeless Commission, a position he held from 1990 to 1993.

Role in the Clinton Administration

In 1993, Cuomo joined the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as assistant secretary for Community Planning and Development under President Bill Clinton. He was promoted to Secretary of HUD in 1997, a role he held until 2001. During his tenure, Cuomo worked on initiatives targeting affordable housing and fair lending practices.

Attorney General of New York

Following an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2002, Cuomo was elected as Attorney General of New York in 2006. In that role, he focused on consumer protection, public integrity, and corporate accountability. He served until 2011, setting the stage for his future gubernatorial campaign.

Governor of New York

In 2010, after incumbent Governor David Paterson withdrew from the race amid controversy, Andrew Cuomo secured the Democratic nomination for governor. He won the general election against Republican candidate Carl Paladino with 62% of the vote. Cuomo's first term saw significant legislative milestones, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York in 2011 and the enactment of the NY SAFE Act, a law aimed at strengthening gun control regulations.

He was re-elected in 2014 and continued to promote infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and environmental initiatives. During his time in office, Cuomo became a nationally recognized political figure, particularly for his hands-on leadership style and frequent media presence.