At least 12 New York Democrats have joined lawmakers around the country to call on N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign from his post amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault.
A joint statement from the offices of House Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman stated, “This week, the second sexual assault allegation and the sixth harassment allegation was leveled against Governor Cuomo. The fact that this latest report was so recent is alarming, and it raises concerns about the present safety and well-being of the administration’s staff. These allegations have all been consistent and highly-detailed, and there are also credible media reports substantiating their accounts.”
Their joint statement pointed out the ongoing COVID-19 nursing home death data investigation by N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James.
“Unfortunately, the Governor is not only facing the accusation that he engaged in a pattern of sexual harassment and assault. There is also the extensive report from the Attorney General that found the Cuomo administration hid data on COVID-19 nursing home deaths from both the public and the state legislature,” the joint statement read.
The Democrat lawmakers added that under current circumstances, Cuomo “can no longer effectively lead in the face of so many challenges.”
After the joint statements from his former allies, Governor Cuomo has said that he will not resign. “People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture, and the truth. Let the review proceed. I’m not going to resign,” Cuomo said during a conference call on Friday.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “Unfortunately what we’re seeing here is a pattern of cover-up, a pattern of lies. It is unacceptable, the governor must resign,” adding, “He can no longer do the job.”
