When the #MeToo movement first became a mainstream collective around 2018, a sexual assault allegation often meant the end of a man’s career, particularly if he was politically affiliated.
One of the most recent scandals in the movement involved accusations made against the former governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, who was forced to resign in 2021 following multiple claims of sexual harassment that named him.
Some other political figures that have been forced or influenced to step down over #MeToo allegations are John Conyers, a former senator of Michigan, Al Franken, a former senator of Minnesota, and three republican congressmen: Blake Farenthold of Texas, Pat Meehan of Pennsylvania, and Trent Franks of Arizona.
However, it has been several years since we have seen a major case in the social movement, and NYC’s upcoming mayoral election may potentially include three candidates that have faced sexual assault accusations in the past. This has led to speculation about whether #MeToo still holds the same influence it used to.
Scott Stringer, the former comptroller of New York City who announced he was exploring a new run for mayor this past Thursday by raising funds to challenge Mayor Eric Adams in next year’s Democratic primary, may become a test case. Stringer’s run for mayor in 2021 was cut short, which is partially attributed to an accusation of sexual harassment made by lobbyist Jean Kim, that allegedly took place 20 years ago. He has refuted this accusation and the case is currently still under appeal.
Aside from Stringer, Mayor Eric Adams himself has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman three decades ago while he was a police officer in a civil filing from November. He has since denied the allegations and claims he never met the plaintiff.
Reportedly, even Andrew Cuomo may be contemplating a comeback, as he performed well in a recent poll. Cuomo was accused of sexually harassing at least 11 women, but has denied all of the claims made against him.
Politicians carrying on after sexual assault claims made against them is not unheard of, as Donald J. Trump remains a presidential candidate despite his history of sexual misconduct allegations–including a Manhattan jury’s verdict last year that he was liable for sexually abusing the writer E. Jean Carroll, as well as his active case for defamation against Carroll. However, it’s still a unique case that multiple mainstream Democratic candidates have sexual assault accusations attached to their names.
While some left-wing officials have conveyed their support for the mayoral candidates, or expressed a willingness to be open to their campaigns, others don’t seem to think that movements for sexual assault victims are being taken seriously enough.
“I wish these men understood that there are many ways to be in public service, and sometimes it’s best to lead by making room for new voices,” Erica Vladimer, a co-founder of a group that combats sexual assault in Albany, stated in reference to Cuomo and Stringer.
“It’s still important six years later to listen to women… And I tend to believe women,” said Carolyn Maloney, a former congresswoman of New York.
Yet, Stringer and Cuomo did well in a recent poll that asked New Yorkers who they might support in a special election if Mayor Adams, whose campaign fund-raising is still under investigation, were to resign. Stringer was tied in fourth place with 7% while Cuomo came in first with 22%.
