20 Democrats who are likely to run in 2020

18. Andrew Cuomo

Governors in general might be a theme in the 2020 presidential elections, if any of the predictions and rumors are to be believed. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who recently won re-election in this year’s midterms over former Sex and the City actor Cynthia Nixon, could also be amongst that number.

Cuomo’s performance in the gubernatorial bid could be a sign of general favor for him. Certainly, with another term ahead of him, Cuomo has at least a couple of years to make waves in a very visible position. Plus, according to many, the New York governor’s ambitions are aimed pretty darn high. Could that mean he’ll make a bid for the White House in 2020, even if he’d have to resign?

Honestly, the forecast here is pretty mixed. With his established political record, Cuomo has become an often divisive figure. As a centrist Democrat, people from either side of the aisle might see him as a little too ready to make compromises. Certainly, progressives have frequently criticized him for not going too far to the left.

Indeed, Cuomo is so ready to reach across the aisle that the Democratic governor has worked to support Republicans in his own state Senate. Is that a sign of inter-party cooperation? Or, is it really a governor sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong, both politically and ethically?

Meanwhile, the state level government has dealt with serious allegations of corruption, all ostensibly overseen by the governor himself. He also got involved in a bridge controversy and a mailer that falsely accused Nixon of anti-Semitism. If Cuomo does run, he’s going to face a tough road.