New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that he’s resigning from office amid allegations of sexual harassment. The news is sending shockwaves throughout the political landscape. Here’s what leaders are saying about Cuomo’s decision to leave office:
New York Attorney General Letitia James
“Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice. I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state. The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day. We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state. I know our state is in good hands with Lieutenant Governor Hochul at the helm, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
“Today is a somber day for the state of New York, but one that demonstrates our ability to build a more accountable system of government. Governor Cuomo’s resignation opens the door to a restorative future. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward and helped pave the way for safer and more inclusive work spaces. Working with Governor Kathy Hochul, the first woman Governor of New York State, we will continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy and face our challenges standing together. Governor Hochul is a dedicated leader, and united, we will get the people’s work done.”
State Assemblyman Charles Barron and City Council Member Inez Barron
“Governor Cuomo’s resignation was despicable, dishonest, and disgraceful. He continues to be in pathological denial of any wrongdoing, as he shamefully blames the victims for his disgusting behavior. His lawyer preceded his comments by categorically attacking the testimonies of all eleven women who were the victims of the governor’s deplorable behavior.
He then proceeded to deny that he did anything wrong, and that it was a case of ‘generational and cultural lines moving.’ He said that if he made anyone feel uncomfortable, that he was ‘sorry.’ Really Governor! Tell us Governor, in which generation and in which culture do they allow a man to unwantingly put his hand under a woman’s blouse and fondle her breast or unwantingly feel a woman’s behind. These behaviors were detailed in the Attorney General’s report. He still faces possible civil and criminal charges.”
State Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie
“New York faces significant challenges at this moment: rising COVID cases, economic uncertainty facing renters and homeowners, and an epidemic of gun violence among many others. These challenges demand focused, steady leadership that isn’t distracted by personal grievances or drawn-out litigation. The Governor’s decision to step down means that we can get back to the urgent business of strengthening our state and its people.”
New York State Democratic Chairman Jay S. Jacobs
“New York will finally have its first female Governor and we could not be in better hands. From assisting her mother run a transitional domestic violence shelter to helping make the property tax cap permanent, Kathy Hochul has always and relentlessly fought for the people of New York. Her experience at all levels of government – Town Board Member, County Clerk,
Congresswoman, and Lieutenant Governor, makes her uniquely well-equipped to effectively govern the State at this time.”
Congressman Tom Suozzi
“The Governor has done the right thing by resigning. There is no doubt that Andrew Cuomo has accomplished much for our state, from the property tax cap, to rebuilding our infrastructure, to instituting a $15 min wage and battling COVID. It is imperative that our next governor continue the positive achievements of the Cuomo administration and help once again make New York the Empire State.”
Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director, Alliance for Quality Education
“Andrew Cuomo was unfit to lead New York. AQE was one of the first organizations to call for his resignation as his cover-up of nursing home COVID deaths came to light earlier this year. We hope that today, the women who survived his sexual harassment and all those affected by his bullying and corrupt legacy at last feel some sense of justice.”
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio
“Make no mistake, this is the result of survivors bravely telling their stories. It was past time for Andrew Cuomo to resign and it’s for the good of all New York.”
NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli
“The Governor has done the right thing. New York is facing many challenges as we battle the ongoing impact of COVID-19. My team and I stand ready to assist incoming Governor Hochul as we move the state forward.”
NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy
“New Yorkers can breathe a collective sigh of relief that Andrew Cuomo will no longer be able to wield the immense power of the governor’s office to commit his corruption and abuse, but make no mistake, this resignation is simply an attempt to avoid real accountability for his numerous crimes.”
State Sen. Brad Holyman
“I’m grateful that this sad chapter in New York’s history is coming to an end thanks to the inspirational courage of the women who came forward to share their stories in the Attorney General’s report. I look forward to working with incoming Governor Kathy Hochul to address the severe problems facing our state, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on New York’s most vulnerable. It’s my sincere hope that a change in leadership in Albany will mark a new era of cooperation and collaboration between the Legislature and the Governor for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”
NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
“Finally. Many of us have known for a long time that Andrew Cuomo was the wrong Governor for New York. The last several months have plainly revealed that to the world as brave women who endured the Governor’s abuse have spoken out, and as his administration has attempted to attack and ignore them. And while I hope that today gives the survivors of his conduct some semblance of peace and measure of justice, it is not a day of triumph and celebration – even the words of his resignation statement inflicted pain on survivors across the state.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
“First and foremost, I want to thank the incredibly courageous women who came forward and shared their stories. They are the true public servants here. New York now has a chance to move forward and build a new culture of leadership. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is an exceptional public servant and will be an excellent governor. I look forward to working together to continue serving the people of our great state.”
Congressman Adriano Espaillat
“Today is a sad day for New York State following the resignation of Governor Cuomo, and we must work together to ensure that our state is able to move forward and rebuild. I extend my full support to each of the victims who have come forth to date and hope that they can each find healing, strength, and comfort from friends, families, and those closest to each of them.”
State Sen. James Sanders
“I agree with the Governor’s decision to resign because as he said, and as I have been saying, that is what is in the best interest of the state. I have faith in our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul and her ability to be a great leader steering us through what will be tough times ahead especially with the Delta Variant of the coronavirus hitting the state.”
NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer
“With the Governor’s resignation, State government must move forward. I congratulate Kathy Hochul, an accomplished and dedicated public servant, on becoming the first female Governor of New York State when the Governor officially steps down. I am confident in her ability to lead during this challenging time, and I offer her any help I can provide in serving New Yorkers.”
State Sen. Kevin Parker
“Everything about the situation resulting in the resignation of Governor Andrew Cuomo is regrettable. It is regrettable – as the details in the Attorney General’s report have revealed – how Governor Cuomo had so many incidents of unacceptable behavior toward women. It is regrettable the accusers – now 11 of them – have had to experience and live with the negative impact of something no woman should be put through.It is regrettable the governor’s record of doing his best for New York State is now stained by the tears and pain of his accusers and the accounts of his unacceptable behavior.”