BUFFALO (WBEN) - In the aftermath of Governor Andrew Cuomo's stunning resignation, local and state leaders are sharing their reactions, as most called for the governor to step down last week following the release of the attorney general's report.
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Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Western New York Native, is set to take over as interim governor on August 24, and she released the following statement:
"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."
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New York Attorney General Letitia James took to social media, saying, "The ascension of our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul, will help New York enter a new day."
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State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt released a statement:
"Today marks one small step toward restoring honor, decency, and accountability to New York State government. I hope today also brings some measure of justice to the brave women who had the courage to come forward against a powerful and vindictive political figure...
In 14 days we will have our first female Governor. I’d like to congratulate Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Western New Yorker, on becoming the first woman to assume leadership of this state. My fellow Senators and I look forward to working with Governor Hochul as we continue to tackle the issues of rising crime, our state’s struggling economy, and the resurgence of the COVID-19 virus."
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State Senator Tim Kennedy said the following about Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who is set to take over as interim governor on August 24.
"She's a hard worker, she truly listens to people, and I have no doubt she will rebuild and restore trust in Albany. I stand by ready to help her in this transition."
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Congressman Brian Higgins released the following staement regarding Hochul:
“From her earliest days as a local official to her time as my colleague in Congress and her service as Lieutenant Governor, Kathy Hochul’s sole priority has always been the people. Kathy is a public servant of integrity who works hard to listen to and deliver for the communities she represents. She will be an excellent Governor and will make New Yorkers proud.”
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Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins released the following statement:
“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.”
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New York State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs released the following statement:
"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."
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State Assemblymember Pat Burke released the following statement:
"Andrew Cuomo's resignation was the necessary step to restore trust between New Yorkers and their government. It's a sad day to see another Governor's career end in scandal but it's also a historic day as we welcome New York's first female Governor, Kathy Hochul! Let's Go Buffalo! Let's Go New York!"
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State Assemblymember Angelo Morinello released the following statement:
“While this is a situation that should have never occurred, the governor has acted in the best interest of New Yorkers by stepping down. State government will always be of, by and for the people and I look forward to putting this dark time in New York’s history behind us so we can focus on what really matters, you.”
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New York State GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy released the following statement:
“New Yorkers can breathe a collective sigh of relief that Andrew Cuomo will no longer be able to wield the immense power of the governor’s office to commit his corruption and abuse, but make no mistake, this resignation is simply an attempt to avoid real accountability for his numerous crimes. Thousands of lives have been destroyed by Andrew Cuomo and the legislature must continue to move forward with impeachment to ensure he can never run for office again.
Whether it was his numerous pay-to-play and corruption scandals, his deadly nursing home coverup or his $5 million book deal, the New York Republican Party has traveled across the state to expose the real Andrew Cuomo, even when it was a lonely solo mission. We will not rest until the entire stench of the Cuomo Administration is wiped clean from state government and we usher in a new era of integrity and common sense under a Republican governor in 2022.”
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State Senator Pat Gallivan released the following statement:
"This is a sad day for the State of New York, but I am thankful that Governor Cuomo has decided to step aside for the sake of the residents of our state. It is clear the governor violated his oath of office and can no longer govern effectively. However, the brave women who stepped forward deserve justice and I believe the various investigations of the governor’s conduct should continue to include the improper reporting of nursing home deaths and the improper use of state employees for personal gain.
Moving forward, I wish Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul success in meeting the challenges ahead. She is a fellow Western New Yorker and a respected colleague in government. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul in making New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:
“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.”
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Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie released the following statement:
"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."
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State Assemblymember Bill Conrad released the following statement:
"This resignation allows us to get back to the work that matters most to New Yorkers, and I am eager to support a constructive partnership between the Legislature and our next Executive, Western New York’s own, Kathy Hochul. Incoming Gov. Hochul has served at every level of government and is an experienced and capable leader. She represents a refocusing of the State’s priorities, most notably our collective recovery from COVID-19. I wouldn’t call Andrew Cuomo’s announcement reason for celebration. Rather, it was the unfortunate due outcome of an irreparably broken trust."
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Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels released the following statement:
"The imminent change of leadership in Albany is good news for all New Yorkers, particularly members of sovereign Native Nations located within the state’s borders who have for too long been overlooked and mistreated by the current administration. Today’s announcement was not precipitated by politics, but by the actions of one individual, his abuse of power and the bravery of those who had the strength and courage to stand up for themselves. I hope this signals the end of the well-known and well-documented bully tactics that have been deployed at the state Capitol throughout his term.
It is well past time for a new occupant who can bring true leadership to the Governor’s office, making history in the process. The Seneca Nation looks forward to forging a relationship built on respect, understanding and open dialogue with Governor Kathy Hochul when she takes office later this month."
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Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns:
“On one hand, today is a very somber day for all of New York State and on the other, it is yet another momentous first for this great State. I want to congratulate Erie County’s very own Kathy Hochul on her historic next step as the first female Governor of New York State.
“I know from working with Lt. Governor Hochul in Albany that her past experiences at all levels of government, including as Erie County Clerk, have prepared her well in her new role to provide the leadership and healing our state so desperately needs.
“I look forward to working with Governor Hochul on items of mutual concern in order to benefit the residents of Erie County, as well as all of New York State.”
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Assemblymember Monica Wallace: “I appreciate the Governor’s decision to put the good of the State of New York ahead of his own personal interests and resign. When these allegations first emerged, I called on the Governor to step aside for the good of the state and to allow the Lieutenant Governor to take his place. We have an eminently qualified Lieutenant Governor, who I’m confident will be able to hit the ground running. This is an historic moment as we will soon have our first ever woman Governor in Kathy Hochul. Additionally, she will be the first Western New Yorker to serve as Governor in more than a century.
“Our state is at a critical moment. We are still in a pandemic, we have children who need to get back to school, tenants and small landlords who need rent relief, and struggling small businesses. All of these issues require our full attention. I look forward to working with soon-to-be Governor Hochul on the many challenges facing New York.”
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Assemblymember Karen McMahon: “Today, Governor Cuomo did the appropriate thing by announcing his resignation which will take effect in 14 days. I look forward to the conclusion of this disturbing chapter and a return to focusing on the multiple challenges facing New York State, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have the utmost respect for and confidence in Kathy Hochul and I will be doing all I can to assist her in her transition to the Governorship. Kathy has been a longtime advocate for the people of New York and I know of no one better prepared to be the 57th Chief Executive and first woman Governor of New York State.”