Cuomo Faces Criticism from Democratic Rivals Over Alleged Covid Nursing Home Cover-Up During Debate

The race for New York City's next mayor took a combative turn during Wednesday night's debate, as former Governor Andrew Cuomo faced tough criticism from his Democratic opponents over his handling of COVID-19 nursing home deaths and allegations that he lied to Congress. The controversy, already the subject of a federal investigation, emerged as a central flashpoint among the candidates, prompting heated exchanges on stage.

Cuomo repeatedly sidestepped direct questions about his involvement in drafting a New York State Department of Health report that reportedly undercounted the number of nursing home deaths during the pandemic. Instead, he dismissed the ongoing investigation as mere partisan maneuvering, maintaining that, “The report did not undercount the deaths,” and urging recognition for the efforts of the state’s public health workers. However, his refusal to directly answer specific yes-or-no questions regarding his role in producing the disputed report drew criticism—and even laughter—from rival candidates and moderators alike.

Assemblyman Michael Blake, also vying for the mayoral seat, openly challenged Cuomo’s credibility on the issue, declaring, “The people died and he still won’t answer your questions.” Comptroller Brad Lander went further, accusing Cuomo of not only lying to Congress—a potential act of perjury—but also betraying the trust of families who lost loved ones in nursing homes, alluding to financial motivations behind the alleged cover-up. “That’s corruption,” Lander stated pointedly.

The debate comes as the Department of Justice intensifies its criminal investigation into whether Cuomo misled Congress while serving as governor, especially concerning critical decisions made at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. In March 2020, Cuomo issued a directive barring nursing homes from refusing hospital patients who had tested positive for COVID-19, a move intended to free up hospital beds but ultimately linked to the transfer of more than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients into vulnerable nursing home populations. That policy was later reversed following mounting public pressure and speculation about its role in accelerating deadly outbreaks.

Subsequent investigations painted a grim picture of the state’s pandemic response. A 2022 report by the state comptroller concluded that the Health Department “was not transparent in its reporting of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes,” and at certain points, “understated the number of deaths by as much as 50%.” New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office released similar findings, intensifying scrutiny of Cuomo’s record and transparency while in office. These developments have fueled calls for greater accountability as the city heads into a contentious mayoral contest, with Cuomo’s opponents arguing that the former governor’s handling of the crisis—and his answers to those seeking the truth—remain unresolved issues for many New Yorkers.