Moments ago, in a strange speech about “love” for “you”, embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he will resign from the governorship in 14 days, handing over the office to his Lieutenant Governor. The resignation comes after the New York Attorney General said Cuomo is guilty of unwanted sexual advances towards employees that included groping, kissing, hugging, and inappropriate comments.
As many have pointed out, should Cuomo refuse to resign and impeachment proceedings begin, he would be temporarily unable to conduct business as governor, and the state legislature would become embroiled in the lengthy process. Many have said this would be especially irresponsible due to COVID-19, and Cuomo appeared to accept this in his resignation speech. “Wasting energy on distractions is the last thing that state government should be doing. I cannot be the cause of that,” said Cuomo, before turning to matters of the heart.
“New York tough means New York loving. And I love New York, and I love you. And everything I have ever done has been motivated by that love,” said Cuomo, using potentially loaded language considering the allegations levied against him. “I think that given the circumstances, the best way I can help now, is if I step aside and let government get back to governing. And therefore that’s what I’ll do, because I work for you, and doing the right thing is doing the right thing for you. Because as we say, it’s not about me, it’s about we.”
#BREAKING: Andrew Cuomo resigns as governor of New York, effective in 14 days. https://t.co/7Mn4DyM6L6 pic.twitter.com/Ik3XJduCyk
— The Hill (@thehill) August 10, 2021
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden previously called for Cuomo’s resignation after New York Attorney General Letitta James accused him of sexually harassing his employees and creating a hostile work environment.
James says her investigation “revealed a deeply disturbing yet clear picture: Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees, in violation of both federal and state laws” and that “The independent investigation found that Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, many of whom were young women, by engaging in unwanted groping, kisses, hugging, and by making inappropriate comments.”
NY AG Letitia James: "Governor Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of federal and state laws. The independent investigation found that governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women." pic.twitter.com/md7WtYyHK9
— andrew kaczynski (@KFILE) August 3, 2021
It seems likely Cuomo’s disgraced resignation could play an important role in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Andrew Giuliani, the son of popular New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, recently announced his bid for the Republican nomination for Governor of New York. Likewise, founder of the Guardian Angels and longtime radio host Curtis Sliwa recently secured his party’s nomination to run for Mayor of New York City. It is unclear if the recent scandals plaguing the Democrats, including the seemingly-forgotten nursing home scandal, will impact these races.
This is a breaking news story and may be updated with additional information.