Andrew Cuomo Resignation Latest Updates: White House, Kathy Hochul Among Those Reacting to News
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is again in the headlines Tuesday after announcing his resignation from office one week after the state attorney general released a reporting stating he sexually harassed at least 11 women while holding New York's highest office.
Cuomo's resignation goes into effect in 14 days. He will be replaced by Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who will be New York's 57th governor and the first female to hold the office.
Hochul was one of the first politicians to react to the announcement, posting on Twitter that she agreed with Cuomo's decision to step down.
"It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers," Hochul said.
I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers.
— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) August 10, 2021
As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor.
In his resignation, Cuomo again rejected the findings of the investigative report and said he was the target of a "politically motivated" attack on him.
"The best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government," said Cuomo.
He called Hochul "smart and competent" and said, "this transition must be seamless."
Additional reactions and information regarding Cuomo's resignation are posted below.
White House Says Cuomo Resignation 'Outcome' Biden 'Called For'
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation was an "outcome" President Joe Biden "called for," when asked for Biden's reaction to Cuomo's announcement that he will step down as governor.
Psaki said Biden has not spoken to Cuomo since before New York's attorney general released a report that found Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women. She also noted the White House did not have a heads up about his resignation.
"Our view is that this is a story about these courageous women who came forward, told their stories, shared their stories," Psaki said.
After New York Attorney General Letitia James issued her report last week, Biden said "I think he should resign," at a press conference.
“This is a story about these courageous women who came forward, told their stories, shared their stories ...”
— The Recount (@therecount) August 10, 2021
— WH Press Sec. Jen Psaki on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D-NY) resignation pic.twitter.com/iQuFhjmSJP
