More of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s close Democratic colleagues in New York are calling for him to step down in the wake of recently sexual harassment and misconduct allegations.
A majority of state lawmakers are now calling on him to resign. On Friday, U.S. Reps. Jerry Nadler, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Mondaire Jones, Nydia Velazquez, Adriano Espaillat, Carolyn Maloney, Grace Meng, Antonio Delgado, Brian Higgins and Yvette Clarke pushed for Cuomo’s resignation, joining Kathleen Rice, who called for Cuomo’s resignation previously.
From Buffalo Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY):
“Over the past several weeks we have heard the stories of strong and brave women. I previously issued a statement supporting ongoing, independent investigations into early accusations, but given continuing new accounts, it is clearly time for the Governor to resign. This a challenging time for New York. There is too much important work to be done. We need to move forward.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement late Friday afternoon:
“Confronting and overcoming the Covid crisis requires sure and steady leadership. We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign.”
Also late Friday afternoon, 25th District Congressman Joe Morelle, who had a close association with Cuomo when Morelle was Majority Leader in the Assembly, also called on Cuomo to resign:
“The allegations against Governor Cuomo are deeply troubling. It has become clear that he cannot continue to effectively govern and provide the leadership our state needs during this critical time. For the good of all New Yorkers, the Governor should step down so that we can focus on the important issues facing our communities.”
President Joe Biden has passed up an opportunity to join other Democrats, saying he would wait until the results of Attorney General Leticia James' investigation.
Other Republicans in New York’s Congressional delegation previously called for Cuomo’s resignation, including Nicole Malliotakis, Elise Stefanik, Claudia Tenney and Lee Zeldin.
PBS Newshour and WBFO's Marian Hetherly contributed to this story.
