Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that he will step down as Governor of New York effective in two weeks. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will become the state’s 57th Governor.

Cuomo’s resignation comes on the heels of Attorney General Letitia James’ report that the Governor sexually harassed multiple women while in office.

Watch Governor Cuomo’s announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4CbhhLH0Q&ab_channel=PBSNewsHour

Follow coverage from WMHT in Albany: https://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politics/andrew-cuomo-resigns-amid-sexual-harassment-claims-kathy-hochul-becomes-acting-governor/

Reactions from New York leaders and North Country representatives:

New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (via Twitter)

“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. 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.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James

“Today closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for his contributions to our state. The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day. We must continue to build on the progress already made and improve the lives of New Yorkers in every corner of the state. I know our state is in good hands with Lieutenant Governor Hochul at the helm, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

New York Senator Chuck Schumer

“First, I want to commend the brave women who stepped forward and courageously told their stories. There is no place for sexual harassment, and today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo to resign was the right decision for the good of the people of New York. I have full confidence that Lt Governor Hochul will establish a professional and capable administration. I have spoken with Lt Governor Hochul and look forward to working together to help the people of New York.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

“First and foremost, I want to thank the incredibly courageous women who came forward and shared their stories. They are the true public servants here. New York now has a chance to move forward and build a new culture of leadership. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is an exceptional public servant and will be an excellent governor. I look forward to working together to continue serving the people of our great state.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21)

“New Yorkers have lived for far too long under the Worst Governor in America’s corrupt and criminal tenure,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This resignation is long past overdue. Governor Cuomo needs to be arrested and prosecuted for sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. Governor Cuomo also needs to be arrested and prosecuted for his criminal acts covering up the tragic deaths of our most vulnerable seniors in nursing homes. 

“In addition, Governor Cuomo and his staff, funded by the taxpayers, must be prosecuted for illegally using state resources to negotiate a multimillion-dollar book deal. There are multiple federal and state laws that the Governor and his staff have broken, and they need to be held accountable. Every New Yorker must know that there is equal justice under the law – no matter if you are the most powerful figure in New York or an everyday New Yorker.

“The systemic culture of criminal corruption, political vengeance, and illegal retaliation under Andrew Cuomo was brushed under the rug for years by Democrats, the media, and the cesspool of Albany. It is a disgraceful chapter in New York’s history.

“The next Governor Kathy Hochul must purge Cuomo’s abusive, corrupt, and criminal political appointees immediately to clean house for the sake of every New Yorker.”

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

“The Governor has done the right thing. New York is facing many challenges as we battle the ongoing impact of COVID-19. My team and I stand ready to assist incoming Governor Hochul as we move the state forward.”

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

“Today is a somber day for the state of New York, but one that demonstrates our ability to build a more accountable system of government. Governor Cuomo’s resignation opens the door to a restorative future. We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward and helped pave the way for safer and more inclusive work spaces.

Working with Governor Kathy Hochul, the first woman Governor of New York State, we will continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy and face our challenges standing together. Governor Hochul is a dedicated leader, and united, we will get the people’s work done.”

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

“This has been a tragic chapter in our state’s history. Governor Cuomo’s resignation is the right decision. The brave women who stepped forward were heard. Everyone deserves to work in a harassment free environment. I have spoken with Lieutenant Governor Hochul and I look forward to working with her.”

New York State Democratic Chairman Jay S. Jacobs

“New York will finally have its first female Governor and we could not be in better hands.  From assisting her mother run a transitional domestic violence shelter to helping make the property tax cap permanent, Kathy Hochul has always and relentlessly fought for the people of New York.  Her experience at all levels of government – Town Board Member, County Clerk, Congresswoman, and Lieutenant Governor, makes her uniquely well-equipped to effectively govern the State at this time.  I am confident that incoming Governor Hochul’s empathy, work ethic and authentic concern for the welfare of its citizens will make her an outstanding Governor for our State.”

New York State Senator Dan Stec (SD-45)

“The governor’s decision to step aside does not forgive his many transgressions nor absolve him from responsibility.  But, it enables the State of New York to move on.  

“This had nothing to do with politics as the governor claims.  The governor and his team covered up nursing home deaths, used government staff to help him write a $5 million book, and created a toxic work environment. He used the power of his position to intimidate and harass eleven women who fortunately and courageously stepped forward and stood up to one of our nation’s most powerful politicians.

“Governing through fear, intimidation and threats isn’t leadership.  It is a reflection of his character that drives conduct which has been nothing short of disgraceful.  If he could get away with it he would and I am gratified he won’t.  His misuse of governmental power has now come to define his legacy.

“The governor could only drag New York State down.  Perhaps today our state motto Excelsior, meaning ever upward, has a renewed meaning.  We need to recover from the social and economic impact of COVID.  Managing his own problems meant ‘our’ problems would be an afterthought.  Cuomo should be held accountable to the fullest extent possible, but our state can finally move forward.”

New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones (AD-115)

“Although my colleagues and I have been calling for Governor Cuomo to resign, today is a sad day for the state of New York. I am glad that the Governor made the decision to step down so that we can continue to govern and not be distracted by the accusations against him. Now we can move on as a state and I have confidence that Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul will be able to lead us through this transition.”

New York State Assemblyman Matt Simpson (AD-114)

 “Today, the governor put the people of New York above himself. His decision to resign was the right one. I stand ready to work with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul when she becomes governor in two weeks.”

Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman

“Let us not confuse Cuomo’s resignation with justice. Victims must still have their day in court. Incoming Governor Hochul will take New York’s historic mantle leading our great state not just as the first woman to hold the position but with a proven record of public service in local, state and federal government. With Governor Hochul we get a friend of the North Country. What people of NYS gets is someone we can trust to get the job done. I look forward to working with soon to be Governor Hochul.”