The passage of legislation in the state of New York to legalize same-sex marriage on June 24^th will change the lives of millions of New Yorkers and could swing momentum back in favor of gay rights movements across the nation. But could this be the start of bigger things for Cuomo? Not only has the recent passage of this legislation pushed Gov. Cuomo into the limelight of national political news stations, but it also has increased his popularity in the great state of New York. Gov. Cuomo has fulfilled his campaign promise to legalize same-sex marriage. Could this really be a candidate who fulfills his campaign promises? Is that even conceivable in this day and age of politics? Gov. Cuomo is trying to find out. He has extensive experience in public office as an already hugely popular Governor, former New York Attorney General, and the 11^th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Cuomo’s popularity in the state of New York is undeniable despite an embarrassing loss in a bid for the Democratic Nomination for Governor in 2002. Cuomo bounced back in impressive fashion by winning the race for the New York Attorney General by an impressive margin of 58%-40%. During his term as Attorney General, Cuomo launched an investigation into violations of the Freedom of Information Law by the office of then-Governor Democrat Eliot Spitzer. Following the investigation, Spitzer was forced to apologize for the abuse of power by his office and resign two top officials. Cuomo’s actions gained him support of many Independents and center-leaning Republicans due to his willingness to ignore party affiliation and do what was best for the office in which he held. Cuomo rode this wave of support into the 2010 gubernatorial race, overwhelming Republican and Tea Party candidate Carl Paladino 63%-33% in one of the most one-sided races in the history of the state to become the 52^nd Governor of New York. Cuomo is one of the few potential candidates for president in 2016 who has shown the guts to push the issues. He possesses the type of resume suitable of a future national leader with plenty of statewide and federal experience under his belt.

Cuomo can also appeal to the liberal base during the primaries, with proven success pushing an issue that is a largely avoided national issue. This will likely bring him support amongst the far left bases and garner support from many, including Richard Socarides, President of Equality Matters, a communications initiative in support of the LGBT rights movement. Socarides praised Cuomo saying, “Most politicians, including most Democrats, have been afraid of this issue. Andrew is the first national figure ever to embrace it so enthusiastically.”