NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo's sudden resignation announcement Monday prompted adulation from Democratic Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul who will now become the state's first female governor.
"I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down," she said. "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."
A growing number of federal, state and New York City officials praised Cuomo's decision to step down, the women who publicly accused him and Hochul for her historic new role.
NYC MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO
"Make no mistake, this is the result of survivors bravely telling their stories. It was past time for Andrew Cuomo to resign and it’s for the good of all New York.”
NEW YORK SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND
"I think the Governor did the right thing, and I just want to commend the brave and courageous women who came forward. That was not an easy thing to do."
NEW YORK SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER
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.”
DEMOCRATIC NYC MAYORAL NOMINEE ERIC ADAMS
“The governor’s resignation was necessary for New York State to move forward and continue the critical work of our recovery. I look forward to working in partnership with Lieutenant Governor Hochul on the key issues affecting our city and region at this pivotal moment.”
GOP NEW YORK GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE ANDREW GIULIANI
"While it is undoubtedly a good day for anyone who has lived under the reign of Andrew Cuomo over the past decade, today I implore you to focus on the two competing visions that are the future of New York. ... Will New York continue to go down the path of rising violent crime from our great cities to our rural areas or will we empower our police officers again to make sure that New York is one of the safest states in the world. I believe that our next leader is going to be one of the most important leaders in the history of New York. That is why I decided to run for governor nearly three months ago and it's why I will continue to press on, because I know that New York’s greatest chapters are still to be written. I entrust our citizens to make that decision when the time is right because now more than ever, New York needs a leader that’s going to trust the 19.5 million New Yorkers and not focus solely on preserving power for themselves.”
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 CITY COMPTROLLER SCOTT STRINGER
"With the Governor's resignation, State government must move forward. I congratulate Kathy Hochul, an accomplished and dedicated public servant, on becoming the first female Governor of New York State when the Governor officially steps down. I am confident in her ability to lead during this challenging time, and I offer her any help I can provide in serving New Yorkers."
FORMER NEW YORK CITY MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI
NEW YORK REP. TOM SUOZZI
“The Governor has done the right thing by resigning. There is no doubt that Andrew Cuomo has accomplished much for our state, from the property tax cap, to rebuilding our infrastructure, to instituting a $15 min wage and battling COVID. It is imperative that our next governor continue the positive achievements of the Cuomo administration and help once again make New York the Empire State.”
NEW YORK STATE SEN. TODD KAMINSKY
“The Governor’s resignation is in the best interest of New York. The 11 brave women who came forward and the thorough and fearless investigation from our Attorney General brought us to this moment. Incoming Governor Hochul now faces unprecedented challenges and we must all be ready to help her meet the moment and ensure that Long Island thrives and prospers during her tenure.”
NEW YORK STATE SEN. ZELLNOR Y. MYRIE
"New York faces significant challenges at this moment: rising COVID cases, economic uncertainty facing renters and homeowners, and an epidemic of gun violence among many others. These challenges demand focused, steady leadership that isn't distracted by personal grievances or drawn-out litigation. The Governor's decision to step down means that we can get back to the urgent business of strengthening our state and its people."
NEW YORK STATE SEN. ANNA M. KAPLAN
"The COVID crisis continues to present our community with unprecedented challenges on a daily basis, and in this extraordinary moment, New York needs strong leadership in Government to ensure that we overcome those challenges, and build back better and stronger than ever. I believe that our Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is immensely qualified to step into that role on day one and lead New York to brighter days. Lieutenant Governor Hochul has often been called an Honorary Long Islander because she spends so much time here fighting for issues that matter to us, and standing up for small businesses in our community. I have no doubt that she will continue to fight for us as our next Governor, and I look forward to working with her to ensure our communities are safe, and our recovery is moving forward."
NEW YORK STATE SEN. BRAD HOYLMAN
“I’m grateful that this sad chapter in New York’s history is coming to an end thanks to the inspirational courage of the women who came forward to share their stories in the Attorney General’s report. I look forward to working with incoming Governor Kathy Hochul to address the severe problems facing our state, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on New York’s most vulnerable. It’s my sincere hope that a change in leadership in Albany will mark a new era of cooperation and collaboration between the Legislature and the Governor for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”
NYGOP CHAIRMAN NICK LANGWORTHY
"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."
NEW YORK DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN JAY JACOBS