Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned August 10 due to pressure from the American public. Before the allegations surfaced Cuomo was Governor of New York for 10 years and won three consecutive elections. Cuomo was popular among Democrats during 2020 because of his support of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

In December of 2020, Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, accused the Governor of sexual harassment, though he later denied the accusation. Through multiple other assault claims and a scandal involving Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes, Cuomo refused to confirm the allegations. 

“I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances,” said Cuomo in a video released on his social media August 3.

New York lawmakers launched a probe in March that has continued since. New York state Assembly Speaker and Democrat Carl Heastie authorized the probe and spoke about Cuomo. Heatie is in support of Cuomo’s resignation and believes it’s the best course of action for the state.

“It is abundantly clear to me that the Governor has lost the confidence of the Assembly Democratic majority and that he can no longer remain in office. Once we receive all relevant documents and evidence from the Attorney General, we will move expeditiously and look to conclude our impeachment investigation as quickly as possible,” said Heastie. 

Since Cuomo’s resignation, Kathy Hochul has taken office as the first female Governor of New York. Now the 9th serving female Governor in America, Hochul promises to improve New York. Serving as Lieutenant Governor before her inauguration, Hochul was the first choice for Governor.

“There’ll be no blindsiding; there’ll just be full cooperation,” said Hochul. Hochul will be serving in New York until the 2022 gubernatorial elections, when she will be eligible to run for re-election.