Speculation that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo was eyeing a run for mayor heated up last spring, when Mayor Eric Adams’ legal troubles seemingly emboldened Cuomo to take jabs at the administration.

“Two years of government incompetence,” he told the congregation at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights in Brooklyn last May. “The city feels out of control.”

But Cuomo seemed reluctant to challenge the sitting mayor, given that he and Adams share much of the same political base. That changed in recent months, as Adams unraveled politically and several polls showed Cuomo trouncing the competition in a Democratic primary.

Much like Adams, Cuomo frames himself as a moderate, common-sense Democrat, denouncing the excesses of the progressive left and focusing on issues like public safety.

“Crime is an ongoing problem. And it is seemingly everywhere today,” he told churchgoers at Brooklyn’s Bedford Central Presbyterian Church in September. “People are afraid to take the subway.”

Since resigning the governorship more than three years ago, Cuomo has maintained a public profile. He’s hosted a podcast, made several appearances at predominantly Black churches and spoken out forcefully against anti-Semitism.

But now that he’s officially in the race, Cuomo’s record will come under heavy scrutiny. Attack ads from outside groups already began running months ago.

Cuomo’s baggage includes numerous allegations of sexual misconduct that were substantiated by the state attorney general and ultimately drove him from office, though Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing.

Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, have kept a spotlight on his handling of COVID in nursing homes, including at a hearing of a House subcommittee on Capitol Hill in September.

“When were you negotiating for your multi-million dollar advance deal for your book as seniors were dying in nursing homes?” upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik demanded during a hostile line of questioning. “That is the question in front of you.”

Adams has been increasingly willing to take shots at Cuomo, insinuating this week that Cuomo’s been hiding.

“There are a lot of candidates who are in the race who are in the shadows,” the mayor told reporters on Wednesday. “No candidate should be able to stay on the sideline and just send out innuendos.”

Still, Cuomo won a loyal following with his daily COVID briefings; he’s proven a willingness, unlike Mayor Adams, to take on President Donald Trump; and he is a formidable fundraiser who’s expected to benefit from millions in outside spending.

That’s not to mention a record of accomplishments that includes completing major projects like the Second Avenue Subway and the revamped LaGuardia Airport.

Whether those positives outweigh his past controversies is up to Democratic voters to decide in the primary election on June 24.