Who is Matilda Cuomo? Former first lady of NY tells son Andrew to 'continue doing his job' amid calls to resign
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing increasing pressure to resign, both from the public and within his party. He is also facing an inquiry from the New York Attorney General's office over allegations of sexual harrassment. Despite the rising backlash, Cuomo seems to have the support of his family, especially his mother Matilda. Cuomo's mother and sister Maria have finally broken their silence on the matter, addressing Cuomo's sexual harassment scandal in an interview.
Both women seem to be standing strongly behind the embattled governor, but did not directly address the scandal that threatens to end Cuomo's political career. Notably, Matilda Cuomo said, "He is my son and I don’t like what he is going through."
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Matilda is the head of one of New York's most powerful political families. She served as the 'first lady' of New York when her husband Mario Cuomo was the governor. Coming from such a position, it is clear Matilda knows a thing or two about surviving in politics.
Who is Matilda Cuomo?
The 90-year-old matriarch of the Cuomo family has a lot of acheivements to her name. She is the mother of five, a strong advocate for women's rights, and an educator. Born Mattia Raffa, she was renamed Matilda by teachers at her elementary school, and has used the name since. In 1954, she graduated from St. Johns University with a degree in teaching.
It was during her time at St. Johns she met Mario Cuomo in 1951. Mario was pursuing a degree in law. The two were married a few years later in 1954, and were together until Mario's death in 2015. Matilda gave birth to five children - Margaret, Maria, and Madeline, and sons Andrew and Christopher. Christopher or Chris Cuomo is a newscaster at CNN, Maria is a film producer and Margaret is a noted radiologist and phyisican.
Matilda served as both second and first lady of New York while her husband served as the Lt. governor and then governor of the state. During this time, she became a public champion for women and children's rights. Amongst her many achievements are the initiatives she created to find long term homes for foster children, nutrition and immunization programmes, and mentoring at-risk children. She also compiled and edited a book "The Person Who Changed My Life: Prominent Americans Recall Their Mentors".
As a result of her advocacy, Matilda has received serveral honors and awards, but perhaps the most prominent came from her son. In 2020, Gov. Cuomo issued an executive order titled 'Matilda's Law' providing guidance for senior citizens, and those at high risk of catching COVID-19. In 2017, she was also inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
'That's politics'
Speaking by phone to Times Union, both Matilda and Maria reafirrmed the family's support for Cuomo. Maria told the Union, "It’s been disappointing to see that he wouldn’t receive the support of some elected officials who know his abilities so well. But that’s politics, to a large extent." Prior to the scandal, the Cuomo legacy was rock-solid, on par with the Bush legacy in American politics.
Unfortunately, that legacy is now under threat after five women accused Cuomo of sexual harrassment. “I tell Andrew to continue doing his job as governor," his mother said, "Because he is a problem-solver who gets things done for the people of New York." With increasing calls for his resignation, it seems like that may no longer be possible.