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Governor Andrew Cuomo is in serious political trouble after today’s bombshell revelations by New York Attorney General Letitia James that Cuomo “sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law.”
James released the findings against Cuomo at a Tuesday morning press conference after months of investigations regarding multiple allegations by many women regarding sexual harassment and assault. The investigation says Cuomo harassed at least 11 women.
As Tuesday morning’s damning findings turned in afternoon, several local, and national, lawmakers called for Governor Cuomo to resign—and some are calling for impeachment if Cuomo refuses to resign.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a statement said this:
“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so.No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”
U.S.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also calling for Cuomo to step down:
“Under Attorney General Letitia James, a comprehensive and independent investigation into the allegations against Governor Cuomo has been completed. “As always, I commend the women who came forward to speak their truth. Recognizing his love of New York and the respect for the office he holds, I call upon the Governor to resign.”
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio, a nemesis of the governor, said this:
“My first thoughts are with the women who were subject to this abhorrent behavior, and their bravery in stepping forward to share their stories. The Attorney General’s detailed and thorough report substantiates many disturbing instances of severe misconduct. Andrew Cuomo committed sexual assault and sexual harassment, and intimidated a whistleblower. It is disqualifying. “It is beyond clear that Andrew Cuomo is not fit to hold office and can no longer serve as Governor. He must resign, and if he continues to resist and attack the investigators who did their jobs, he should be impeached immediately.”
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams had this to say:
“The Attorney General’s investigation confirmed today what we’ve known since the first courageous women came forward with their experiences – the Governor repeatedly, with intent and without care for the pain he caused or concern for consequences, sexually harassed multiple women, violating the law and the standards which we must demand, especially of our elected officials. A thorough, independent process documented these patterns of abuse, creating a space for voices to be heard while many were trying to silence or ignore them. I thank the women who came forward to reveal these truths and seek justice in the face of the deflections, denials, and excuses by the Governor and those he empowered. There is no excuse. And there can be no denying the need for justice.
“Andrew Cuomo has acted for his entire career with abusive impunity, but his shamelessness cannot equate with immunity. He created a culture of abuse which he has long employed to evade accountability, but the creation of that culture itself demands accountability. He cannot continue to serve as Governor, and must resign immediately or be impeached expeditiously.”
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, the likely next mayor of New York City called for Cuomo’s impeachment if he refuses to resign:
“Attorney General James conducted a thorough and revealing investigation that yielded disturbing conclusions about the conduct of Governor Cuomo. It is now the duty of the New York State Assembly to take swift and appropriate action and move forward with impeachment proceedings if the Governor will not resign.”
The Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus released a statement saying:
“The findings disclosed today by the State Attorney General’s Office leave no doubt that Governor Cuomo committed sexual harassment, cultivated a workplace culture that was hostile to the women under his employ, and retaliated against those who spoke out against his abusive behavior.
“Governor Cuomo’s continued denial of wrongdoing in the face of these disclosures do a disservice to the people of New York, as it is apparent that he violated the law, betrayed the public trust, and failed to uphold the values and principles that we as a society value.
“He has lost all credibility, and must resign immediately.
“Sadly, despite the many revelations that have come to light over the past several years about similar misconduct, women continue to be subject to various forms of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse in the workplace. Worse, those who courageously dare to challenge their abusers face the prospect of both personal and profession ruin for such bravery.
“Sexual harassment in any setting simply cannot be tolerated, and we have a moral obligation to be vigilant against all acts of misogyny whenever and wherever they occur.”
In Albany, New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins reiterated her call for Cuomo to resign.
Stewart-Cousins released the following:
“This report highlights unacceptable behavior by Governor Cuomo and his administration. As I said, when these disturbing allegations first came to light, the Governor must resign for the good of the state. Now that the investigation is complete and the allegations have been substantiated, it should be clear to everyone that he can no longer serve as Governor. Our highest elected offices must reflect the values and integrity that they profess and New Yorkers hold dear. I thank the Attorney General and her investigators for their thorough investigation. I also wanted to give a special thank you to the courageous women who bravely stepped forward to shed light on this awful situation. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”
State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who earlier in the day asked Attorney General James for more of the investigation documents, said the following:
“We have received the Attorney General’s 168 page report containing findings of sexual harassment and misconduct committed by Governor Cuomo. The findings contained in the report are disturbing. The details provided by the victims are gut-wrenching. Our hearts go out to all the individuals who have had to endure this horrible experience. The conduct by the Governor outlined in this report would indicate someone who is not fit for office. The report has been forwarded to the members of the Judiciary Committee as well as all members of the Assembly. We will now undertake an in-depth examination of the report and its corresponding exhibits with our Assembly counsels as well the legal firm we have retained to assist us. We will have more to say in the very near future.”
Democratic New York City Comptroller candidate Brad Lander:
“Gov. Cuomo should have resigned in March. He should resign now. If he does not, he should be impeached. If he is not, he should be defeated at the polls. Thank you to Attorney General James for conducting this thorough and independent review, talking to scores of witnesses, reviewing tens of thousands of documents, and providing the evidence for this clear conclusion: Andrew Cuomo is a serial harasser who has broken State and Federal laws. Thank you to the women who came forward to tell your stories and confront these abuses of power. Your courage and today’s findings must inspire us to action.”
