AP photo Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks at the New York City District Council of Carpenters while campaigning for mayor earlier this month.

Disgraced former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has made his way back into the political scene after announcing his candidacy this month for New York City mayor. Those prospects cannot be sitting well with the state’s top elected official in Kathy Hochul.

Cuomo was notorious for his vindictive ways when he led the Empire State for more than three terms. Once the sexual harassment claims by more than a dozen staff members became public in 2021, his kingdom began to crumble. It led to his resignation that gave immense power to his former lieutenant governor.

Hochul, who usually kept her distance from Cuomo while being second in command, was quick to speak up after a settlement was announced last summer between the state and U.S. Justice Department over the investigation. “The moment I took office, I knew I needed to root out the culture of harassment that had previously plagued the Executive Chamber and implement strong policies to promote a safe workplace for all employees, and took immediate action to do so,” she said.

If he cannot be governor at the moment, Cuomo’s comeback effort can make life extremely miserable for Hochul if he gets elected to the largest city in the nation. Despite the troubles facing incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, his position comes with a large dose of clout and power — probably as much or more than the person ruling from Albany has. The Big Apple is full of glitter and glamorous lifestyles.

What’s in the state capital? An abundance of politics and a city that, according to The New York Times in a February article, is crumbling, moribund and rundown.

But Gotham also is rife with misconduct, especially recently for Adams. This week, a judge weighing the Justice Department’s request to dismiss corruption charges against the mayor canceled a hearing indicating a ruling could be imminent.

It could have huge ramifications for the November election, which includes eight other potential candidates who do not have the major name recognition the former governor has. Favorability ratings, according to the Siena Poll, for both the criminally challenged candidates are hovering between 22 to 55% for Adams and 37 to 51% for Cuomo.

That same poll released earlier this week, in the midst of the correction officer crisis, noted growing momentum for Hochul when it comes to protecting constitutional rights, ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare and making the state safer. “Although Hochul’s favorability rating continues to remain in stubbornly negative territory, where it has been since February last year, her overall job approval rating is close to the breakeven mark,” Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said.

Pennsylvania has its share of political troubles. Most recently, the Center Square reported Gov. Josh Shapiro administration’s handling of a sexual misconduct complaint against a cabinet member, and one reporter’s request to know more about the investigation behind it, may cost taxpayers a lot of money. Stay tuned.

Still New York seems more deplorable.

Hochul is currently on such shaky ground she’s teetering around a sinkhole — especially in upstate. Her most recent crisis regarding the strike by the corrections officers at more than 32 prisons across the state continues to be her undoing.

As someone who constantly seeks compassion for victims or those she considers under-served, she showed none of it for the thousands of loyal employees who have been facing hazardous working conditions and long hours. Adding insult to injury, she signed an executive order that bars state agencies from hiring prison employees who were fired for taking part in the strike.

The walkout violated a state law barring strikes by most public employees and was not sanctioned by the union.

“There are consequences when people break the law, and that means you’re not working in our state workforce, ever,” Hochul told reporters Tuesday.

This from a governor who is looking to put federal employees terminated and deemed unnecessary by President Donald Trump’s administration on the New York state payroll. She’s more loyal to those workers than the ones who have actually served the state prisons for the long term.

Hochul’s hot seat has become more like a barbecue. Cuomo looms large downstate. Trump holds the cards in Washington.

What has she brought to the table? A far left agenda that is even alienating what was once the stability and strength of the Democratic party — the labor unions.

New York’s next election for governor comes in 2026. Her electorate — at the moment — is downstate where Cuomo has re-emerged. His personality is not one of forgiveness.

If Cuomo were to win New York City this fall, that is a major swath of support that can help sway opinion and votes that may not be kind for the current governor. Hochul’s potential road to re-election will become a lot more treacherous — and it is more than unlikely that upstate will offer her campaign any help.

John D’Agostino is editor of the Times Obsever, The Post-Journal and OBSERVER in Dunkirk, N.Y. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 814-723-8200, ext. 253.