Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have called for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign following recent accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
The U.S. senators are the highest ranking Democrats calling for New York’s governor to step down.
U.S. President Joe Biden, when asked recently about the accusations against Cuomo, urged patience while the state Attorney General’s Office conducted its investigation into the allegations.
But Gillibrand and Schumer said Friday that New York needs “sure and steady leadership” during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Confronting and overcoming the COVID crisis requires sure and steady leadership. We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct,” said a joint statement from Schumer and Gillibrand.
“Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign.”
Cuomo has faced bipartisan criticism and calls for resignation following seven allegations of sexual harassment and under-reporting nursing home deaths due to COVID-19.
The most recent accusation against Cuomo is from former statehouse reporter Jessica Bakeman, who said Cuomo inappropriately touched her in an article for New York Magazine.
Cuomo has apologized, but denies all accusations of sexual harassment or inappropriate contact.
As a result of the recent controversies, 50% of New York Voters say Cuomo should not resign while 48% say he can do his job effectively even with the ongoing investigations, according to a recent Siena College Poll.
