Andrew Cuomo Harassment Accuser Considers Entering New York City Council Race

Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly accuse former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, is actively exploring a run for the New York City Council, according to people familiar with the matter, as reported by The New York Post.

Manhattan Democratic insiders told the New York Post that Boylan, a former aide to Cuomo, is considering entering the race to replace Councilman Erik Bottcher.

Bottcher recently withdrew from a crowded Democratic congressional primary to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler and instead opted to run for the New York State Senate.

Andrew Cuomo’s first sexual harassment accuser ‘actively exploring’ NYC city council run https://t.co/BLjAqKLzxh pic.twitter.com/B9imFdOsdl

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) December 25, 2025

Boylan confirmed she is considering a campaign, telling the Post that she has begun speaking with members of the community about the possibility of running.

“I cannot think of a community I care more about, and I’m absolutely exploring if I can rise to the occasion for this moment. It’s been an honor and a lot of fun in the short time I’ve been talking to people in our community,” Boylan said.

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Boylan first came forward publicly in December 2020, accusing Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment. She alleged that Cuomo forcibly kissed her and asked her to play strip poker, claims that led to her resignation from his office in 2018.

Criminal investigations into Cuomo’s alleged conduct were later closed due to insufficient evidence. However, a report issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women.

Cuomo has repeatedly denied the allegations and has disputed the findings of the attorney general’s report.

Boylan’s potential entry into the city council race would place her in a crowded Democratic field in Manhattan’s West Village and Hell’s Kitchen district.

Three other candidates have already announced plans to run for the seat: Carl Wilson, Bottcher’s chief of staff; Leslie Boghosian Murphy, a member of Manhattan Community Board 4; and Layla Law-Gisiko, president of The City Club of New York, a government reform organization.

Boylan has previously sought elected office. In 2020, she launched an unsuccessful Democratic primary challenge against Nadler for his congressional seat.

While she did not prevail in that race, it marked her first campaign for public office and raised her profile within progressive political circles in New York City.

Manhattan Democratic consultant Chris Sosa said Boylan would be a strong contender if she moves forward with a campaign.

“She’d be an exciting and dynamic voice in the race to many progressives, both on a policy level and because of her history of being downright fearless in the face of power,” Sosa said.

If Bottcher vacates his council seat, the replacement would be determined through a special election.

According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, special elections are typically held on the first Tuesday at least 80 days after an office has been vacated.

The date may be scheduled slightly earlier or later in order to increase voter participation.

Boylan has not formally declared her candidacy. Any official announcement would further shape what is expected to be a closely watched Democratic contest in one of Manhattan’s most politically active districts.

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