Every Scandal to Hit Andrew Cuomo So Far This Year
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing fresh allegations of potential misconduct this week following claims that he arranged special access to COVID-19 testing for members of his family and well-connected people.
The Democrat was already facing calls to resign amid accusations of sexual harassment and his administration's handling of COVID deaths in the state's nursing homes.
Members of his own party have emerged as prominent critics of the governor and there have even been suggestions that Cuomo could be impeached, though experts say it is unlikely.
The Cuomo administration was first hit by scandal when it emerged his aides had pressured state officials to undercount the COVID death toll in nursing homes.
New York Attorney General Letitia James alleged in a January report that Cuomo's administration had undercounted nursing home deaths by excluding nursing home residents who had died after being transferred to hospital.
The governor had won plaudits for his handling of the pandemic and his frequent press conferences, as well as his criticism of former President Donald Trump's approach. The revelations about nursing home deaths undermined such a perception and led to some demands for him to step down.
However, calls for Cuomo's resignation grew when a number of women accused the governor of sexual harassment. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and New York city Mayor Bill de Blasio have both said Cuomo should go.
Multiple women have now made allegations about his behavior, including one current employee and three former aides. Cuomo is accused of creating a toxic work environment for women.
His most recent accuser, Alyssa McGrath, currently works at the governor's office and told The New York Times there was "no doubt in my mind that all of these accusers are telling the truth."
Cuomo has denied the sexual harassment allegations against him and has refused calls for him to resign, pending the outcome of an investigation by the attorney general's office. A lawyer for one of his accusers, Charlotte Bennett, has claimed Cuomo is trying to interfere in the investigation.
Amid the ongoing harassment investigation, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that Cuomo had arranged special priority COVID testing for members of his family, including his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.
Three people with knowledge of the matter told the Post that a top state doctor and health officials were sent to homes to carry out the tests before a state lab was tasked with quickly processing the results.
The Cuomo administration refused to comment on the governor's family, citing laws on medical privacy. Officials pointed out that some members of the public had received testing in their homes.
The latest allegations raise ethical and possibly legal questions for Cuomo. It is illegal under New York state law for public officials to use their office to grant privileges to themselves or others. The claims will likely add to demands that he leave office immediately.
Before the recent scandals, the three-term governor was heading for a fourth consecutive gubernatorial election, with a high likelihood of victory. Now, Cuomo's political future is uncertain.
