Andrew Cuomo wants to run for mayor. Cuomo, 67 years old, has been gauging his mayoral chances for months, according to several people with direct knowledge of the conversations. Longtime allies of New York’s former governor have been working to put the pieces of a campaign together around him in the event he jumps into the race,

Cuomo has strategically made few public appearances as Adams’ position erodes. Gov. Kathy Hochul, no fan of the former governor, has so far declined to use her power to oust the mayor and instead proposed a package of oversight measures with Adams in mind to prevent undue influence on city policy by the Trump White House.

Cuomo’s outreach includes meetings with powerful unions that once backed Adams, while his allies orchestrate high-profile fundraisers. Despite resigning in disgrace amid misconduct allegations, Cuomo sees the mayoralty as a path back to public office. Polls suggest he leads a fragmented Democratic field, though major unions remain undecided.