Andrew Cuomo is currently unmarried and has not remarried since his high-profile divorce from Kerry Kennedy in 2005. His marriage to the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy lasted 15 years and produced three daughters. Following the divorce, Cuomo maintained a long-term domestic partnership with celebrity chef Sandra Lee from 2005 until 2019.
As of 2026, Andrew Cuomo remains one of the most recognized figures in American municipal and state political history, but his personal life has remained largely out of the tabloid spotlight following his resignation from the New York governorship in 2021. To understand the intersection of his personal and professional life, one must look back at the "merger" of two of the most powerful political dynasties in the United States and the subsequent relationships that defined his decades in the public eye.
The Union of Two Dynasties: Andrew Cuomo and Kerry Kennedy
The marriage between Andrew Cuomo and Kerry Kennedy in 1990 was more than a personal union; it was a significant political event often described by the media as the "merger of Cuomolot." At the time, Andrew Cuomo was the eldest son of then-New York Governor Mario Cuomo, and Kerry Kennedy was the seventh child of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy.
The Wedding at St. Matthew’s
The couple married on June 9, 1990, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. The event was attended by the elite of the American political establishment, including members of the Kennedy family and high-ranking Democratic officials. The marriage symbolized a bridge between the traditional New York political machine represented by the Cuomos and the national, almost mythical legacy of the Kennedys.
Early Years of Marriage
During the early years of their marriage, Andrew Cuomo’s career trajectory moved toward Washington, D.C. He served as the Assistant Secretary and later the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Bill Clinton. During this period, the couple was a fixture of the D.C. social and political circuit. Kerry Kennedy, a human rights activist, continued her work with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, often traveling internationally while Andrew managed federal housing policy.
The couple had three daughters: twins Cara and Mariah, born in 1995, and Michaela, born in 1997. For much of the 1990s, they appeared to be the quintessential power couple, balancing high-stakes careers with the demands of raising a young family in the public eye.
The Dissolution of the Marriage (2003–2005)
The breakdown of the Cuomo-Kennedy marriage became public fodder in the early 2000s, coinciding with a difficult period in Andrew Cuomo's political career. In 2002, Cuomo launched a bid for the Democratic nomination for Governor of New York but withdrew before the primary after a series of political missteps.
The Public Separation
In 2003, the couple announced their separation. The divorce proceedings were notably contentious and played out across the front pages of New York newspapers. Media reports at the time suggested that the rigors of Cuomo’s political ambitions and the cultural differences between the Cuomo and Kennedy family styles contributed to the friction.
One of the most cited stressors was the aftermath of the 2002 gubernatorial campaign. The defeat was a significant blow to Cuomo’s reputation at the time, and the personal strain it placed on the marriage was significant. By the time the divorce was finalized in 2005, Andrew Cuomo had moved back to New York to rebuild his legal and political career, eventually winning the election for New York Attorney General in 2006.
Post-Divorce Co-Parenting
Despite the public nature of their split, Cuomo and Kennedy eventually established a functional co-parenting relationship. Their three daughters remained the central focus of their interactions. Over the years, both parents have been seen together at graduations and family milestones, maintaining a level of civility required to navigate their shared roles as parents to three high-profile daughters.
The Sandra Lee Era: A 14-Year Partnership (2005–2019)
Shortly after his divorce was finalized, Andrew Cuomo began a relationship with Sandra Lee, a celebrity chef and television personality known for her "Semi-Homemade" brand on the Food Network. While the two never married, their relationship lasted 14 years and was, for all intents and purposes, a domestic marriage.
The Role of "First Girlfriend"
When Andrew Cuomo was elected Governor of New York in 2010, Sandra Lee assumed the role of the state’s "First Lady" in a non-traditional sense. She lived with Cuomo at "Lily Pond," their shared home in Westchester County, and frequently appeared with him at official functions, including the annual State of the State addresses and holiday events at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany.
Lee was credited with humanizing Cuomo’s often tough political persona. During her battle with breast cancer in 2015, Cuomo was visibly supportive, and the couple used the experience to advocate for breast cancer screening legislation in New York, known as the "Get Screened, No Excuses" law.
The 2019 Breakup
In September 2019, Cuomo and Lee released a joint statement announcing their split. They stated that their lives had gone in different directions but that they remained close friends. The breakup occurred just as Cuomo was entering what would become the most turbulent years of his governorship, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Andrew Cuomo’s Family Life and Children
While Andrew Cuomo’s marital status has remained "divorced" for over two decades, his identity is deeply tied to his role as a father. His three daughters became public figures in their own right during his time as Governor.
Cara, Mariah, and Michaela Cuomo
- Cara Kennedy-Cuomo: Has worked in the social impact space and assisted with COVID-19 relief efforts during her father's administration.
- Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo: Has worked in media and communications, often seen supporting her sisters and father at public events.
- Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo: Known for her advocacy regarding mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, she has been vocal about social issues on social media platforms.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Cuomo’s daughters lived with him at the Governor's Mansion, a dynamic he frequently mentioned during his televised daily briefings. He often used his "family dinners" as a metaphor for the importance of social distancing and protecting loved ones, which briefly made his domestic life a point of national interest.
Comparison of Andrew Cuomo’s Major Relationships
The following table summarizes the key aspects of Andrew Cuomo's primary long-term relationships.
| Feature | Kerry Kennedy | Sandra Lee |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship Type | Marriage (Legal) | Domestic Partnership |
| Duration | 1990–2005 (15 years) | 2005–2019 (14 years) |
| Status | Divorced | Separated |
| Children | 3 (Cara, Mariah, Michaela) | None |
| Public Role | Human Rights Activist | Celebrity Chef / "First Girlfriend" |
| Key Residence | Washington D.C. / New York | Westchester County (Lily Pond) |
| Reason for Ending | Publicly documented "irreconcilable differences" | Lives moving in different directions |
Life After the Governorship (2021–2026)
Following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation in August 2021, his personal life became significantly more private. His resignation was prompted by a series of allegations and investigations, which led to a withdrawal from public office.
In the years since, Cuomo has focused on legal challenges, public speaking, and launching a podcast. Regarding his romantic life, as of 2026, there have been no confirmed reports of a new marriage or a serious long-term partner. He has spent a considerable amount of time in the Hamptons and Manhattan, often seen with his daughters or his brother, Chris Cuomo.
The narrative of "Andrew Cuomo's marriage" is often used by political analysts to discuss the trajectory of his career. His marriage to a Kennedy was seen as his ascent; his divorce was seen as his low point; and his partnership with Sandra Lee was seen as his era of peak political power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Andrew Cuomo and Kerry Kennedy get divorced?
The divorce followed a period of personal and professional strain. While the exact private reasons remain confidential, the separation became public shortly after Cuomo’s failed 2002 gubernatorial bid. Media reports from the era indicated that the intense pressure of political life and differing family expectations between the Cuomo and Kennedy clans contributed to the split.
Is Andrew Cuomo currently married?
No. As of 2026, Andrew Cuomo is single. He has been divorced from Kerry Kennedy since 2005 and has not entered into another legal marriage since that time.
Did Andrew Cuomo marry Sandra Lee?
Andrew Cuomo and Sandra Lee were in a committed relationship for 14 years, from 2005 to 2019, but they never officially married. They shared a home and she performed many of the social duties associated with the Governor's partner, but they remained domestic partners rather than spouses.
How many children does Andrew Cuomo have?
Andrew Cuomo has three adult daughters: Cara, Mariah, and Michaela. All three are from his marriage to Kerry Kennedy. He does not have any children from other relationships.
Where does Andrew Cuomo live now?
Since leaving the Governor’s Mansion in Albany in 2021, Cuomo has maintained residences in New York. He has spent time living in Westchester and has been frequently spotted in New York City. He moved out of the home he shared with Sandra Lee (Lily Pond) following their 2019 breakup.
Next Actions for Readers
For those interested in the historical and political impact of the Cuomo family, exploring the biography of Mario Cuomo provides essential context for Andrew's upbringing and the expectations placed upon his marriage. Additionally, readers can review the public archives of the New York State Government for official records regarding the role of the Governor’s partner during the 2011–2021 period. For a deeper look at the Kennedy side of the family history, the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization offers extensive documentation on Kerry Kennedy’s ongoing work, which continues to be a significant part of the family legacy.
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