New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he was resigning after a withering report from the state’s attorney general alleged he’d sexually harassed multiple women leading to calls from top Democrats, including President Joe Biden, that he step down.
“And I think that given the circumstances the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let the government get back to the government, and therefore that is what I’ll do because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you,” Cuomo said.
He announced he’ll leave office in 14 days while continuing to insist that he did nothing wrong.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, will serve the rest of his term and will be the state’s first female governor.
After he was first hit with sexual harassment allegations earlier this year, Cuomo ignored bipartisan demands that he resign, and predicted the investigation he authorized state Attorney General Letitia James to carry out would exonerate him. Instead, the report alleged that he’d harassed 11 women — nine of whom were state employees — and subjected some of them to unwelcome touching and groping. His office also retaliated against one of the women after she spoke out about how she was treated, the report alleged.
In the wake of the report, the state Assembly had begun to organize impeachment proceedings. Local law enforcement officials also announced they were investigating whether criminal charges were appropriate.
arassment: New York Gov Cuomo, resigns
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he was resigning after a withering report from the state’s attorney general alleged he’d sexually harassed multiple women leading to calls from top Democrats, including President Joe Biden, that he step down.
“And I think that given the circumstances the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let the government get back to the government, and therefore that is what I’ll do because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you,” Cuomo said.
He announced he’ll leave office in 14 days while continuing to insist that he did nothing wrong.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, will serve the rest of his term and will be the state’s first female governor.
After he was first hit with sexual harassment allegations earlier this year, Cuomo ignored bipartisan demands that he resign, and predicted the investigation he authorized state Attorney General Letitia James to carry out would exonerate him. Instead, the report alleged that he’d harassed 11 women — nine of whom were state employees — and subjected some of them to unwelcome touching and groping. His office also retaliated against one of the women after she spoke out about how she was treated, the report alleged.
In the wake of the report, the state Assembly had begun to organize impeachment proceedings. Local law enforcement officials also announced they were investigating whether criminal charges were appropriate.