Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign following a bombshell 165-page report released by state Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday, confirming the New York Democrat sexually harassed 11 women and retaliated against a former employee for speaking out.
The demands come after a months-long investigation into the governor’s conduct, with Cuomo denying any wrongdoing.
“The report can’t say anything different,” Cuomo told reporters in April, “because I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) called for the governor’s resignation, stating that he has “lost the confidence” of the people of New York.
“Confronting and overcoming the Covid crisis requires sure and steady leadership. We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have cbome forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct,” they said in a joint statement.
“Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and miscondict allegaions, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of the governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign.”
House Speaker Speaker Nancy Pelosi followed suit with a statement blasting Cuomo: “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.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries (D- N.Y.), along with New York Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi and Gregory Meeks issued a statement echoing their Senate colleagues’ sentiments.
“The office of Attorney General Tish James conducted a complete, thorough and professional investigation of the disturbing allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. The investigation has found that the Governor engaged in abusive behavior toward women, including subordinates, created a hostile work environment and violated state and federal law,” the lawmakers said.
“We commend the brave women who came forward and spoke truth to power. The time has come for Governor Andrew Cuomo to do the right thing for the people of New York State and resign.”
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) went as far as calling for Cuomo to be arrested for his conduct — adding that his accusers “deserve swift and definitive justice.”
“Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately. President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation. In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault,” she said in a statement.
“The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers. The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice.”
And Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), the top Republican on the House Committee on Homeland Security, blasted Cuomo for creating a hostile work environment, calling for him to be held accountable.
“The report detailed by NYS Attorney General Letita James confirms that Governor Cuomo abused his office by engaging in a pattern of sexual harassment and retaliation,” he said.
“The governor created a hostile and intolerable work environment and broke federal law, as well as the state law he enacted. Officials at all levels of government have a duty to prevent this type of horrific conduct. Instead, Governor Cuomo enabled it. For his inexcusable and egregious conduct, Governor Cuomo must resign.”
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was one of the first Democratic lawmakers to call for the governor to step down following news of the report.
“Time for Governor Cuomo to resign. There is no excuse, time is up,” he said on Twitter.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) quote tweeted a 2013 post by Cuomo stating sexual harassment shouldn’t be tolerated, while calling for him to “resign now.”
Agreed. Resign now and don’t force legislators to confront such staggering hypocrisy by impeaching you,” he posted.
And Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) added that “no one should be above the law.”
“No one should be above the law—and that includes Andrew Cuomo,” Cotton said.
The AG report found that Cuomo, 63, violated federal and state laws, having engaged in “unwanted groping, kissing, hugging and making inappropriate comments,” some of which were staffers in their 20s and 30s.
One allegation included an aide accusing the New York governor of reaching under her blouse and groping her.
The probe was conducted by two outside lawyers, former acting Manhattan US Attorney Joon Kim and employment discrimination expert Anne Clark.
White House spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment on President Biden’s reaction.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ spokespeople also did not immediately respond.
Additional reporting by Steven Nelson
