AOC calls on Cuomo to quit as New York governor

New York Democrats in Congress believe Cuomo can no longer effectively lead

In a joint statement, New York representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman have called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign.

The lawmakers said that the allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the New York governor were “consistent and highly detailed”, and that the latest report being so recent is “alarming” raising concerns for the well-being of administration staff.

In addition, the pair cited the allegations that the Cuomo administration hid data relating to Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes from the public and state legislature.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez tweeted: “After two accounts of sexual assault, four accounts of harassment, the Attorney General’s investigation finding the Governor’s admin hid nursing home data from the legislature & public, we agree with the 55+ members of the New York State legislature that the Governor must resign.”

Both Ms Ocasio-Cortex and Mr Bowman represent parts of the Bronx in New York City in Congress. Mr Bowman is in his first term, Ms Ocasio-Cortez her second, and both are considered part of a new generation of progressive Democrats in Congress.

The statement says: “As members of the New York delegation to the US House of Representatives, we believe these women, we believe the reporting, we believe the Attorney General, and we believe the fifty-five members of the New York state legislature, including the State Senate Majority Leader, who have concluded that Governor Cuomo can no longer effectively lead in the face of so many challenges.”

New York congressman Jerrold Nadler released a separate statement on Friday morning also calling for the governor to resign, saying he stands with the individuals who came forward.

Not all Democrats agree with the calls to resign, with many stressing the need for due process, arguing it is necessary not just for the governor, but also his accusers, who deserve to be heard.

In Washington, DC, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also of New York, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi released statements withholding judgment and calling for an organised investigation.

In his statement, Mr Nadler says that Mr Cuomo is guaranteed due process under law, and the criminal investigations underway must run their course before any liability is assigned.

However, he says: “There is a difference between formal investigations that may end in criminal charges and a question of confidence in our political leadership.”

“Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of the people of New York. Governor Cuomo must resign.”

New York lawmakers in the state capital Albany have taken the first step in impeaching Mr Cuomo.

The New York Assembly speaker authorised the opening of an impeachment investigation into the embattled governor, who has been accused by at least six women.

Speaker Carl Heastie said that the Assembly’s Judiciary Committee will look into the allegations made against Mr Cuomo, as well as claims of a cover-up of nursing home deaths during the pandemic.

Mr Heastie said the investigation will be led by chairman Charles Lavine.