Cuomo resigns, 'letting government get back to governing'

To many, it never seemed possible. But Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he would resign today, a week after state attorney general Letitia James concluded an investigation alleging he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women while in office.

The three-term governor will leave office in 14 days, replaced by his lieutenant Kathy Hochul. When she's sworn in Aug. 24, Hochul will become the first woman to lead New York state.

In his televised news conference, Cuomo continued denying many of the sexual misconduct allegations made against him. But he said he’s choosing to step aside because a months-long impeachment process would make it impossible to govern the state while a public health crisis in the form of the coronavirus pandemic rages.

“Government needs to function,” Cuomo said. “'New York tough' means 'New York loving,' and I love New York and I love you. And everything I have ever done has been motivated by that love. The best way I can help now is if I step aside.”

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi — a frequent Cuomo critic and a rumored gubernatorial candidate in next year's primary — said she’s grateful to all of the women who stepped forward to share their experiences with the governor.

“While further accountability is necessary, this moment reflects the hard work of survivors who have been striving for an end to workplace harassment for decades,” Biaggi said. “New York state can now move forward and address the needs of the people we were elected to serve. I look forward to working under Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership. Let this next chapter for New York be one of integrity, optimism and progress.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who recently told The Riverdale Press he supported impeachment if the governor didn’t step down, also applauded Cuomo’s decision on social media.

“The governor's resignation is in the best interest of New York and New Yorkers,” the lawmaker said. “I look forward to a new chapter under soon-to-be-governor Kathy Hochul.”

For more on this story, pick up the Aug. 12 print edition of The Riverdale Press.