Long Island Lawmakers React To Andrew Cuomo Resigning

LONG ISLAND, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday amid facing accusations of sexual harassment. He will be out of the office of governor in 14 days.

Here are reactions from Long Island lawmakers to Cuomo's resignation:

• 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."
• Nassau County Executive Laura Curran: "Governor Cuomo’s decision to resign will help New York State refocus on the business of the people. I look forward to working with Kathy Hochul as the next Governor to move Nassau County forward."
• U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R—NY1): "Andrew Cuomo’s statement [Tuesday] is a clear indication he is resigning to skirt all repercussions for his actions as opposed to accounting for his misconduct. He knows he would be impeached. He knows he would be voted out of office. Andrew Cuomo broke the law and criminal repercussions must follow, despite him no longer serving in public office. From his deadly nursing home order and coverup, to his $5.1 million self-congratulatory book deal and serial harassment and abuse of others, he’s been unfit to continue serving for a long period of time. Unfortunately, for New Yorkers, we’re left with Cuomo’s Lieutenant who empowered this disgusting behavior while Andrew Cuomo cultivated this toxic culture, leaving a trail of victims in its wake. Kathy Hochul has been silent scandal after scandal, from fatal nursing home policies and coverups to rampant harassment, intimidation, bullying and abuse. In November of 2022, we must rid New York of the Cuomo-Hochul administration and its disgraceful legacy. We need new leadership in New York to end the attacks on our freedoms, our wallets and our safety, and Save Our State. Every New Yorker, regardless of who they vote for, where they live or how much they make, deserves much better than this. The last three Democrat Governors have left office embroiled in scandal. Albany corruption is systemic, fundamental and real. One-party Democrat rule enables this type of malign behavior. It’s not just about Cuomo, it’s about those who continue to preserve the status quo and have failed to learn from the mistakes of the past. Voters in New York need to take back control of how we are governed and set the standards we want for those who are given the honor of serving us."
• Congressman Tom Suozzi (D—NY): "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."
• Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R—NY): "Governor Cuomo’s resignation is the best thing for the people of New York. His actions made him unfit to lead and, with him gone, the State of New York can get back to focusing on what New Yorkers really need instead of the depraved and potentially criminal actions of one man."
• Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D—NY): "I look forward to working closely with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul when she assumes office as New York's first female governor. The next administration must focus on preventing a resurgence of the virus, rebuilding our economy, and getting our kids back to school safely. And it must restore faith in New York State government by creating a culture where women are respected and every public servant is treated with the dignity they deserve."
• State Assemblywoman Missy Miller (R,C,I-Atlantic Beach): "Gov. Cuomo did the right thing by resigning. Our focus should continue to be on battling COVID-19 and our state’s recovery. His investigation would cost taxpayers millions and that’s not fair to the hardworking residents of our state. However, Gov. Cuomo still needs to be held accountable. The courageous women who came forward and all the New Yorkers who lost loved ones in nursing homes deserve justice. We can’t forget, Andrew M. Cuomo has sexually harassed 11 women, falsified reporting of our loved ones in nursing homes, forced government staff to ‘volunteer’ on his failed COVID-19 ‘leadership’ book and faultily constructed the Mario M. Cuomo bridge."
• State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R—Mount Sinai): "Embattled Governor Cuomo’s announcement of his impending resignation is welcome news to New Yorkers and will save the state time and money in removing him from office through impeachment. Now, state government must refocus its energies on defeating the COVID Delta variant, working to rebuild New York’s struggling economy and infrastructure and combating the rise in violent crime.
  I look forward to working with New York’s first female Governor, Kathy Hochul, to put this dark episode in State Government behind us and work to heal the state as we move forward through these times of great uncertainty."
• State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C,I-Northport): "[Tuesday], Gov. Cuomo finally recognized the walls were caving in. Between the bombshell attorney general’s report and the extensive hard work and dedication of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, it was clear that there would be no escaping responsibility for his actions. This governor’s administration was one that will be remembered from the very beginning for the intense amount of corruption and scandal it brought the people of New York. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. We cannot allow resignation to be the end of this story. I am committed wholly to continuing to find justice for the victims of Cuomo’s abuse and corruption. Whether you’re a taxpayer in New York or the loved one of one of the 15,000 nursing home patients that lost their life, you deserve accountability. My best wishes to Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul as she will take over as Gov. at a critical time and will have to change the atmosphere in the Executive Chamber and work with the Legislature to bring New York forward."
• State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C,I-Riverhead): "The governor’s resignation is an admission of guilt. Had he responded to the Judiciary Committee and accepted the due process of the Legislature, it would be a different story. However, the Judiciary Committee will continue its investigation into the nursing home cover-up, his book deal and the sexual harassment allegations. It is a sad day for New York with this resignation, but a great day now that we have our first female governor."
• State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D—Sag Harbor): "This is a sad day for all New Yorkers. Based on the facts and evidence presented, Governor Andrew Cuomo made the right decision [Tuesday] by announcing his resignation. [Tuesday's] announcement sends a clear message to the people of the State of New York that no one is above the law. As I have previously stated, sexual harassment and assault has no place in any work environment, especially not in the highest office of New York State government. I believe the brave women who spoke up and admire their courage. I look forward to working with Kathy Hochul as she assumes the Office of Governor on matters of concern to Long Island and all of New York during these very perilous times."

The story will be updated as more reactions come in.