Andrew M. Cuomo has remained one of the most well-known American political figures of the past few decades. His time as Governor of New York, along with his earlier service under President Bill Clinton, placed him in the spotlight for both his public leadership and private dealings.
Born into a powerful political family, Cuomo did not just rely on name recognition alone. Through different government positions and media-related income, he was able to secure a strong financial base for himself.
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Cuomo’s journey includes time in public office, involvement with legal work, books, media appearances, and public speaking. While his political life has had many turning points, his ability to stay financially steady has also been a subject of interest. His wealth did not only come from government salaries but from other sources that were tied to his career choices and personal brand.
Family Background and Early Life
Andrew Mark Cuomo was born on December 6, 1957, in Queens, New York. His father, Mario Cuomo, served three terms as the Governor of New York. Growing up in such an environment made politics a natural part of Andrew’s life. His mother, Matilda Cuomo, was also deeply involved in community work and advocacy. The values of service and leadership were passed down to Andrew and his siblings.
He attended Archbishop Molloy High School before going on to Fordham University and eventually Albany Law School. Even during his time in university, Cuomo showed ambition and interest in the law and policy side of public service.
From the beginning, he had a combination of professional discipline and strong family backing. His early career was not just shaped by his father’s position but also by his drive to leave a personal mark in American politics.
Early Career and Income Growth
Cuomo began working as campaign manager for his father’s 1982 campaign for governor. After the success of that campaign, he went on to work as an assistant district attorney. He later established the Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged, a non-profit organization that focused on housing solutions for the poor.
His big move into federal politics came in 1997 when President Clinton appointed him as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. This cabinet-level role brought him a steady government salary, public visibility, and experience in large-scale federal programs.
By the time he left the federal post in 2001, Cuomo had already made enough income to start investing in real estate and other business interests. He also began working as a political analyst and legal advisor, adding other sources of income to his financial portfolio.
Time as Governor of New York
Cuomo returned to public office in 2006 when he became Attorney General of New York. Four years later, in 2010, he became Governor of New York. He held this position for three terms until he resigned in 2021. During his years as governor, Cuomo earned an annual salary that increased as his time in office progressed.
At one point, he became one of the highest-paid governors in the United States. His earnings crossed $200,000 per year, and with other government benefits, his yearly total became even more substantial. Over 11 years in that position, Cuomo earned millions of dollars in public salary alone.
In addition to that, he received book royalties for a memoir he published during his time as governor. The book focused on leadership and crisis management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal with the publishing company was said to be worth around $5 million, although this figure later became a topic of public discussion and criticism.
Properties and Real Estate Assets
Andrew Cuomo has lived in multiple homes throughout his life, including state-owned governor’s mansions and personal properties. While serving as governor, he lived at the Executive Mansion in Albany, a benefit that allowed him to reduce housing expenses during that time.
Outside of government-provided housing, Cuomo has held private residential properties. He owned a house in Mount Kisco, New York, which he shared with his then-partner, Sandra Lee. This property included several bedrooms, spacious kitchens, a large yard, and interior upgrades that showed both comfort and taste.
After the relationship ended, Cuomo moved out of the house, and Sandra Lee eventually sold the property. It was reported that Cuomo rented smaller homes afterward, including a space in Albany and another location closer to New York City.
There are no known reports of Cuomo owning a large number of investment properties, but his real estate history shows that he lived well, even though he did not focus on building a vast property empire.
Vehicles and Personal Belongings
Cuomo has been known to drive SUVs and sedans provided for official government use. During his time in office, he often used state-issued vehicles that came with security details and personal drivers. These included black Chevrolet Suburbans and other high-end but practical vehicles.
Since leaving office, Cuomo has kept a low profile when it comes to cars. He has not been linked with luxury car collections or exotic vehicle spending. His lifestyle suggests that he prefers quiet and functional over loud and flashy.
Apart from vehicles, he is said to have spent money on books, travel, and suits tailored for public appearances. Although he has enough resources to live in luxury, he usually maintains a simple public image when it comes to material goods.
Personal Life, Relationships, and Family Ties
Andrew Cuomo was once married to Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy. Their wedding in 1990 drew national attention. The couple had three daughters together. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2005. Despite the separation, Cuomo has remained involved in the lives of his children.
His daughters, Michaela, Cara, and Mariah, have all grown up in the spotlight but keep low profiles compared to other children of politicians. Cuomo often speaks with pride about his children, especially their educational achievements and community involvement.
After his divorce, Cuomo entered a long-term relationship with television personality and chef Sandra Lee. The couple lived together for several years before parting ways in 2019. Their split was handled privately, with both sides asking for respect from the media.
Cuomo’s relationships have always made headlines because of his status, but he tends to manage his matters quietly without unnecessary attention.
Public Perception, Scandals, and Resignation
In 2021, Cuomo resigned as Governor of New York after facing accusations related to workplace misconduct. The case received heavy media coverage and ended his term earlier than expected. This decision to leave office also affected his future earning potential, especially in public service.
After his resignation, Cuomo began to step away from public appearances for a while. However, he later returned to the media with occasional comments about politics and society. Despite the challenges that followed his resignation, he continues to work on rebuilding his image and remains involved in public discussion.
While the situation had its cost both emotionally and financially, Cuomo still had multiple income sources that allowed him to remain financially comfortable.
Estimated Net Worth and Present Status
As of 2025, Andrew M. Cuomo is believed to have a net worth between $7 million and $10 million. This figure includes income from public service, private legal work, books, media consulting, and speaking engagements. While his career has had dramatic turns, his earnings have placed him among the wealthier American politicians.
His legal background also allows him to offer advisory services when needed, while his public image provides opportunities in media and policy discussions. Even after leaving political office, Cuomo maintains his ability to earn income through his experience and influence.
He lives a quieter life now, but his years in leadership, combined with careful financial planning, have helped him maintain his position as a wealthy and experienced figure in American society. With a legacy tied closely to both his father and his actions, Andrew M. Cuomo remains a person whose story continues to spark interest, both for his politics and personal journey.
