ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday said he plans to resign as governor in two weeks as the sexual-harassment investigation against him continues.
“…I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing. And therefore, that’s what I’ll do,” Cuomo said. “Kathy Hochul my lieutenant governor, is smart and competent. This transition must be seamless. We have a lot going on. I’m very worried about the delta variant and so should you be. But she can come up to speed quickly and my resignation will be effective in 14 days.”
Cuomo announced his resignation during late Tuesday morning remarks that his office said were meant to address the “people of New York.” The governor said his inclination was to keep fighting the scandal, but he decided against it.
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“You know me. I’m a New Yorker, born and bred. I am a fighter, and my instinct is to fight through this controversy because I truly believe it is politically motivated,” Cuomo contended. “But when I took my oath as governor, then it changed. I became a fighter but I became a fighter for you. And it is your best interest that I must serve.”
His decision to step down follows the Sunday night resignation of Melissa DeRosa, one of his top aides. On Monday, the New York State Assembly outlined weeks of process that will then lead to months of litigation, Cuomo noted.
Cuomo’s announcement comes a week after the bombshell news that independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James found that Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women — including former and current state employees — by “engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments,” per a news release about the report.
Further, the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. In addition, Cuomo’s office fostered a “toxic” workplace that enabled “harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment.”
One his accusers, Brittany Commisso, shared details in a Monday interview with “CBS This Morning” and the Albany Times Union, saying that Cuomo groped her twice during her role as an executive assistant.
Schumer, Gillibrand reaction
U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) both issued statements in reaction to Cuomo’s resignation announcement.
Schumer said, “First, I want to commend the brave women who stepped forward and courageously told their stories. There is no place for sexual harassment, and today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York. I have full confidence that Lt Governor Hochul will establish a professional and capable administration. I have spoken with Lt Governor Hochul and look forward to working together to help the people of New York.”
In her statement, Gillibrand said, “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.”
